MS PowerPoint Chapter 2: Styles and Appearances
- Daniel LaGrow
Instructions
Section 2.1: Color Contrast
When typing in text you want to consider the color contrast between the text and the background. For small text (under size 18), a good contrast ratio to aim for is 4.5:1 or higher. For bigger text (over size 18) a good contrast ratio is 3:1 or higher. Black text on a white background or 21:1 is considered to be the most accessible contrast ratio.
Contrast Example
This slide above has a contrast ratio of 1.13 : 1. This is very low and hardly visible to most readers.
This slide above has a contrast ratio of 21 : 1.
Bullet List Example
If you create a bullet list, the points need to have a contrast ratio above 3:1.
The bullets in this list are light green and may have a low contrast ratio.
Background Examples
Backgrounds with crazy features or patterns should be avoided at all costs. To check if your color contrast ratio is sufficient, you should use Adobe’s Color Contrast Analyzer tool.
Section 2.2: Using Color to Convey Meaning
If you are going to use color to convey information, always include a text alternative. Color alone is not enough to show off information. For example, if color blind users look at a chart may not be able to read the data. They may also struggle to know which color belongs to which section.
After your pie chart is finished, you need to provide an alt text for the chart. To do this, right click on the chart and select Alt Text. The Alt Text panel will appear on the right side of the screen. Type in your alt text.
Section 2.3: Transitions and Animations
As cool as transitions and animations can make your presentation, do not use them very often. Many of them are time consuming, distracting, and most importantly could overwhelm viewers.
For transitions, it is best to not use them at all. To make this setting,
Go to the Transitions Tab
Click “None”.
For animations, the rules are a little more lenient. The best effect to use is the green “appear” effect. This effect will just make your words appear on the presentation. To use this animation,
Highlight the text you want animated and go to the Animations Tab.
Click the Appear Button.
When using animations, be sure to have them appear in the right order from top to bottom. Do not use any of the yellow or red animations. They make text disappear or activate an effect at a time when it would not be appropriate for one.
Section 2.4: Can I use Flashing and Blinking Images or GIFs?
As a general rule, you should avoid any flashing or blinking images. Flashing, blinking, or flickering content can trigger epileptic seizures. If you do have flashing or blinking images, be sure they do not flash more than 3 times per second. For animations, do not use any flashing or flickering animations. Just use the simple “Appear” animation.