Designing with Accessibility in Mind

Canva makes it easy to create visually engaging materials for campus events, programs, services, and classroom activities. However, a visually appealing design is not necessarily accessible to everyone.

Accessible design considers how people with different visual, cognitive, motor, and other access needs will experience the information. This includes people who use screen readers, magnification tools, keyboard navigation, or alternative formats.

By incorporating accessibility from the beginning, we can create materials that are easier for everyone to read, understand, and use.

Essential Accessible Design Practices

1. Use Readable Fonts and Text Sizes

Choose clear, easy-to-read fonts and avoid overly decorative typefaces for important information.

• Use a limited number of fonts to maintain consistency.
• Choose text sizes appropriate for the format and viewing conditions.
• Avoid long passages written entirely in uppercase letters.
• Provide sufficient spacing between lines and sections.
• Ensure important information remains readable on smaller screens.

2. Check Color Contrast

Text must have sufficient contrast against its background to remain readable for people with low vision or color vision differences.

• Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text.
• Use at least 3:1 for large text.
• Avoid placing text over busy photographs or patterned backgrounds.
• Do not rely on color alone to communicate important information.
• Use a reliable contrast checker rather than judging contrast by appearance alone.

Helpful resource: WebAIM Color Contrast Checker.

3. Keep Layouts Clear and Predictable

Organize content so readers can quickly identify the most important information and understand how the different elements relate to one another.

• Use descriptive titles and clear visual hierarchy.
• Group related information together.
• Use white space to separate sections and reduce clutter.
• Keep the reading sequence logical.
• Avoid unnecessary animations or visual effects that distract from the message.

4. Add Alternative Text to Meaningful Images

Alternative text, or alt text, describes meaningful visual information for people who cannot see an image. In Canva, alt text can be added to supported images and elements, but its availability in the final product depends on how the design is exported or shared.

• Describe the purpose or meaning of informative images.
• Keep descriptions concise and relevant to the surrounding content.
• Identify decorative elements as decorative when supported.
• Provide longer text descriptions for complex charts or diagrams when necessary.
• Verify that alt text is preserved in the final published format.

5. Avoid Relying on Images of Text

Text that is flattened into an image may not be accessible to screen readers and can become difficult to read when enlarged.

Whenever possible, keep important information as actual text rather than embedding it within a single graphic.

For example, when sharing a Canva event flier on social media, include the event title, date, time, location, and registration details in the accompanying post or an accessible webpage.

6. Use Accessible Links and QR Codes

QR codes can be convenient, but they should not be the only way to access important information.

• Provide a descriptive text link or accessible alternative to a QR code.
• Use meaningful link text when the format supports hyperlinks.
• Check that links remain functional after exporting.
• Ensure registration and information pages are accessible.

Using Canva's Accessibility Features

Canva provides features that can support accessible design. Depending on the design type and available features, these may include:

• Alternative text: Add descriptions to meaningful visual elements.
• Accessibility checks: Use available design accessibility tools to identify certain potential issues.
• Color and formatting tools: Adjust text, backgrounds, and visual hierarchy.
• PDF export options: Review available PDF settings and accessibility-related options when exporting documents.

Canva's features and menus may change over time. Consult the Canva Help Center for current instructions.

Accessibility Considerations by Format

The steps needed to make a Canva design accessible depend on how the final content will be distributed.

Before You Share: Canva Accessibility Checklist

• Text is readable and appropriately sized for the intended audience and format.
• Text and important visual elements have sufficient contrast.
• Information is organized in a clear and logical sequence.
• Color is not the only way important information is communicated.
• Meaningful images have appropriate descriptions or text alternatives.
• Important information is available as accessible text, not only within an image.
• Links and QR codes have accessible alternatives.
• The final exported or published version has been reviewed for accessibility.

Additional Resources

• Canva Help Center
• WebAIM: Color Contrast Checker
• W3C WAI: Images Tutorial
• W3C WAI: Writing for Web Accessibility
• Section508.gov: Creating Accessible PDFs

Need Assistance?

Visit the Access GCCCD website for additional guidance, or attend Accessibility Office Hours.

Questions? Email Brielle.Erike@Experis.com.

Access GCCCD: Shared Responsibility. Shared Success.