Skip to main content
The University of Iowa
University of Iowa

Accessibility@IOWA

Site Main Navigation

  • About Digital Accessibility
  • Creating Accessible Documents
  • Accessibility Services
  • Policy and Standards
  • Accessibility Resources

Breadcrumb

  1. Home

Accessible Documents: Microsoft Word

Friday, March 29, 2019

Featured video: Microsoft 365 Accessibility Assistant: Word (YouTube, 6:34)

Microsoft Word is one of the most popular applications in the world, widely used to create worksheets, articles, syllabi, and other documents. Document creators should consider these tips when creating Word documents (links open at Microsoft.com unless otherwise indicated):

  • Run the Microsoft Word Accessibility Checker
  • Organize document structure with heading styles
  • Provide alternate text for images and non-text content
  • Specify row and column headers for data tables
  • Make links apparent and informative
  • Prepare Word document for export to PDF

Microsoft Word Resources

  • Accessible Document Practices in Microsoft Word (Digital Accessibility Focus, PDF, 2.7 MB)
  • Providing Headings in Microsoft Word (Digital Accessibility Focus, Video, 5:51)
  • Microsoft Word articles at WebAIM.org
The University of Iowa
University of Iowa

Accessibility@IOWA

Iowa City, Iowa 52242
319-384-3323

Admin Login

  • © 2025 The University of Iowa
  • Privacy Notice
  • UI Nondiscrimination Statement
  • Accessibility