Embedded Files
Readability refers to how easily text can be read and understood by your intended audience. It combines clear language and accessible formatting so that students can engage with the content without unnecessary barriers.
When reviewing or developing readable content it is important to remember that students may open files on different devices which can impact readability. Without proper formatting, content may adjust to different sizes or spacing and impact how content is displayed when the file is opened.
Guidance to Improve Readability:
Guidance to Improve Readability:
Choose Accessible Fonts
Choose Accessible Fonts
Use sans-serif fonts (Arial, Calibri, Verdana) instead of stylized or serif fonts.
Stick with standard font sizes (10 - 12 point for body text, larger for headings).
Avoid decorative fonts or ALL CAPS for long passages.
WCAG Alignment
1.4.4 Resize Text (AA): Sans-serif fonts and avoiding decorative fonts help ensure text remains legible when resized up to 200%.
1.4.12 Text Spacing (AA): Users must be able to adjust line, paragraph, and letter spacing without losing content or functionality.
Recommended Actions
Review course documents, presentations, and other files. Replace stylized fonts with sans-serif fonts.
Ensure that zooming is available. Most devices or software has this feature. Look for a plus sign or a magnifying lens.
Set Document Language
Set Document Language
Ensure the default language of the document/page is correctly specified.
Sections of content in different languages needs to be marked properly.
Check Word, Google Docs, PDFs and PowerPoint properties.
WCAG Alignment
3.1.1 Language of Page (A): Requires specifying the document’s default language.
3.1.2 Language of Parts (AA): Requires marking content that differs from the default language.
Recommended Actions
Locate the Properties or Info section of your files and check that correct language is set.
If you include text in another language in, mark different languages so screen readers pronounce it correctly.
Ensure Readable Spacing
Ensure Readable Spacing
Use at least 1.15 line spacing.
Add white space between sections to prevent text from feeling crowded.
Left-align text; avoid justified text.
WCAG Alignment
1.4.12 Text Spacing (AA): Content must remain readable and functional when users override spacing (line height, paragraph spacing, letter spacing, word spacing).
Recommended Actions
Review documents, presentations, and other files to apply at least 1.15 line spacing.
Ensure that content is mostly left-aligned and does not include complex formatting.
Resources:
Resources:
5 Tips on Improving Readability in Your Courses - Oregon State University
Fonts
Language
Document Language in Microsoft Word - Illinois State University
Set the Document Language - Google Docs
Text Alignment
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