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Accessibility at ESF
Microsoft Publisher

Microsoft Publisher is a layout program for creating printable items such as fliers, brochures, and posters. Whether sending the Publisher file to someone else, or exporting your files as a PDF, adding basic accessibility features to your document will enhance the usability for all users.

Creating Accessible Documents 

Note:Creating PDFs in Microsoft Publisher is not recommended. Alternative text, reading order, and structure do not work well in Publisher. Consider using a different program.

Alternate Text

  1. Right-click on the image.
  2. Select Format Picture.
  3. Select the Alt Text tab.
  4. In the Alternative Text dialogue box, enter your alt text. Alt text should describe the content of the image, conveying the purpose of the image. Decorative images do not need alt text. Any image that serves to convey meaningful information requires alt text. Visit the Images page to learn more about alternative text for images.
  5. Select OK.

Reading Order

Note:The reading order starts with the first object to be brought to the front, and follows with the next object brought to the front.

  1. To adjust reading order: Under Home, find the Arrange group
  2. Do one of the following:
    • Bring an object to or towards the front of the stack:
      • Click the arrow next to or under Bring Forward, and then click Bring Forward or Bring to Front.
    • Send an object to or toward the back of the stack:
      • On the Home tab in the Arrange group, click the arrow next to or under Send Backward, and then click Send Backward or Send to Back.

Exporting to PDF

  1. Select Save As, choose PDF from the file format drop-down menu, and then select Options.
  2. When the Publish Options dialog box opens, make sure that the box next to "Document structure tags for accessibility" is checked.
  3. Select OK, and then select Save.