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Use the Accessibility Checker (Windows)

The content below outlines how to manually check the reading order; however, it is recommended to use the Accessibility Checker to easily fix the reading order. Note that the reading order can be automatically set by using the built-in slide layouts.

Note: the Microsoft 365 for Mac subscription does not appear to have this update yet. The directions below are for Window users.

Watch it: how to view and manually edit Reading Order

Estimated Total Viewing Time
1:20

Read macOS's Reading Order Tutorial.

Watch the video below to learn how to locate the Slide Pane to view and edit a slide's reading order. You will also learn about a vital tip about PowerPoint's interesting reading order display - you will definitely not want to miss this essential tip!

Please take notes as your third task in the Fix Me PowerPoint Course Activity will be to view and fix the reading order in your version of the Fix Me PowerPoint.

Learn More

If you'd like to watch another video explained in a different way about how to view and edit reading order, watch:

Create More Accessible Slides by Microsoft (2:29).
Reviewing Reading Order for Items on a Windows PowerPoint Slide (2:10):

"Tab" for Quick Reading Order Check

Works for both Windows & Mac.

Estimated Total Viewing Time
1:27

Do you have a PowerPoint that needs a quick reading order check? Use "Tab" on your keyboard to determine the reading order.

Read it: how to interpret reading order in the Selection Pane

Estimated Total Reading Time
3:00

In the Selection Pane, you will see all the content items listed for the slide. Notice the order in which they appear in the pane.

Note: Reading order starts from the bottom of the list (read first), and ends with the top of the list (read last).

Read the inline frame WebAIM tutorial below to learn how to view and edit Reading Order.

Please take notes as your second task in the Fix Me PowerPoint Course Activity will be to view and edit the reading order of a given slide in your version of the Fix Me PowerPoint!

"Slide Reading Order" by WebAIM is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0