# Accessible Documents

**Source**: https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/accessible-documents
**Parent**: https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/digital-accessibility-policy

Accessible documents are easier to understand and read for all of your users, not just users with disabilities.

There are steps you can take, such as tagging your document with headings, being mindful of color, and using formatting techniques that will make your document more accessible to more people.

If you'd like to improve your file with an automated first pass, try the [Harvard licensed tool SensusAccess - Convert a File](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/convert-a-file).

If you need a professionally remediated accessible doc fast, consider using one of [Harvard's preferred document remediation vendors.](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/doc-vendors "Document Remediation Vendors")

## Guidance By Document Type

### Documents

- [Microsoft Word](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/microsoft-word)
- [Google Docs](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/google-docs)

### Slides

- [PowerPoint Slides](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/microsoft-powerpoint)
- [Google Slides](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/google-slides)

### Spreadsheets

- [Microsoft Excel](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/creating-accessible-excel-spreadsheets)
- [Google Sheets](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/creating-accessible-google-sheets)

### PDFs

[Accessible PDFs](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/pdf)

## Key concepts for accessible documents

- **Accessibility Check:** Use available Accessibility Tools to run an accessibility check of the document as you work.
- **Document Metadata:** Add metadata information, such as Title, Author, Language.
- **Alt Text:** Ensure meaningful images have alternative text and decorative images are marked as “decorative,” if possible.
- **Headings:** Use concise headings to delineate sections of your document. Tag and order them like an outline.
- **Color:** Choose colors that provide adequate contrast and don’t rely on color alone to convey meaning.

## Upcoming Document Trainings

[### Creating Accessible PDFs](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/event/creating-accessible-pdfs-040826?occ_id=0)

Apr 8, 2026

1:00PM - 2:30PM EDT

Virtual - Zoom

Virtual

[### Creating Accessible Slides](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/event/creating-accessible-slides-050626?occ_id=0)

May 6, 2026

1:00PM - 2:30PM EDT

Virtual - Zoom

Virtual

[### Creating Accessible Documents](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/event/creating-accessible-documents-051326?occ_id=0)

May 13, 2026

1:00PM - 2:30PM EDT

Virtual - Zoom

Virtual

[All instructor-led trainings](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/all-instructor-led-trainings)

## DAS Office Hours

Want to check your content accessibility with Digital Accessibility Services (DAS)? Stop by one of our upcoming Office Hours!

[### DAS Office Hours](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/event/das-office-hours-032726?occ_id=0)

Mar 27, 2026

10:00AM - 11:00AM EDT

Virtual - Zoom

Virtual

[### DAS Office Hours](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/event/das-office-hours-040326?occ_id=0)

Apr 3, 2026

10:00AM - 11:00AM EDT

Virtual - Zoom

Virtual

[### DAS Office Hours](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/event/das-office-hours-041026?occ_id=0)

Apr 10, 2026

10:00AM - 11:00AM EDT

Virtual - Zoom

Virtual

[View All Upcoming Office Hours](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/das-office-hours)