Employees can find Minnesota State-branded templates for Word, PowerPoint, and Excel via the desktop app on their computer (not yet active at all campuses). These templates come with built-in Minnesota State... Continue Reading →
Use tables for presenting data, not for layout or formatting
Tables are good for organizing data and should not be used to help design the layout of a document or website. Consider if your content needs to be displayed in... Continue Reading →
Use a short, descriptive file name and document title
A unique, descriptive file name and document title helps individuals understand the general topic of a document. Ensuring that the file name and document title describes the content or purpose... Continue Reading →
Place images in line with text
Images in documents should have their layout set to "In Line with Text." Why? Images inserted in line are tied to the place within the text where they were inserted... Continue Reading →
Avoid empty paragraphs
Do not use the enter or return key to insert empty paragraphs in order to create vertical space between content. If your goal is to push the next line of... Continue Reading →
Ensure sufficient line height and letter spacing
Ensure sufficient line height and letter spacing to prevent letters and words from blending together. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommends at least: 1.5x spacing for line height - this... Continue Reading →
Remove content that could cause seizures
Avoid content that flashes, flickers, or blinks as they can cause seizures or create distractions for learners. Sparingly use animations (gifs, flash, etc.) and animated text if possible, to avoid... Continue Reading →
Use automatic list formats
When creating a bulleted or numbered list, use the automatic list formats available in Word, PowerPoint, and on HTML editors. HTML and documents share two main types of lists (Section508.gov):... Continue Reading →
Share resources in advance
Make resources, agendas, and other documents available online 24 hours in advance of meetings or classes. Why? Sharing resources in advance empowers participants through accessible practices. It allows participants to review the... Continue Reading →
Use bookmarks or a table of contents for documents over 9 pages
By using bookmarks or a table of contents (TOC) in documents over nine (9) pages, you make it easier for users to locate content in long documents. Why? A person... Continue Reading →
Ensure sufficient color contrast
Ensure there is sufficient contrast between foreground and background colors. For all consumers of visual content, adequate light-dark contrast is needed between the relative luminance of text and its background... Continue Reading →
Avoid using color alone to convey meaning
When information is being conveyed using color alone, that information is not accessible to some users. Using color alone negatively impacts: Users with partial sight Users who have color-blindness Users... Continue Reading →
Provide meaningful alt text to images
Provide alternative (alt) text to convey the purpose of every meaningful image, picture, illustration, or chart. Alt text is a textual substitute for non-text content. Alt text makes content more... Continue Reading →
Write descriptive links
When including links, avoid using the full URL and vague terms like "click here" or "read more." Instead, embed hyperlinks and use unique, descriptive text to describe the link's destination.... Continue Reading →
Use headings to organize content
Use heading styles to organize your content structure in documents and web pages. Do not skip heading levels (h1, h2, h3, h4, etc.). Make sure headings are short, specific, and... Continue Reading →
Use accessibility checkers early
Turn on accessibility checkers when you start Microsoft applications like Word and PowerPoint. It works like a spell check, notifying you of areas that might be problematic for people with... Continue Reading →
