Readable Fonts

Choosing the right fonts for accessible PowerPoint presentations ensures that your content is clear and easy to read for all viewers, including those with visual impairments or dyslexia.

How to Select Readable Fonts and Using Them Effectively

Best Font Types for Accessibility

Sans-serif fonts are generally more readable for digital presentations because they have clean and simple lines.

Recommended Fonts

  • Arial: A widely used, classic sans-serif font.
  • Verdana: Designed for readability on screens, with wide letter spacing.
  • Calibri: A modern sans-serif font with a clean appearance.
  • Tahoma: Another clean sans-serif font with good spacing.
  • Helvetica: A professional, highly legible option.
  • Trebuchet MS: A slightly more stylized but still accessible sans-serif font.
  • Open Sans: A versatile and clear sans-serif font.

Fonts to Avoid

  • Serif Fonts: (e.g., Times New Roman, Georgia) These have decorative strokes, which can be harder to read on screens.
  • Script Fonts: (e.g., Brush Script, Edwardian Script) Decorative fonts are difficult to read in large blocks or at small sizes.
  • Novelty Fonts: (e.g., Comic Sans, Papyrus) These can appear unprofessional or distracting.

Font Sizes for Accessibility

The size of the font greatly affects readability.

Guidelines

  • Headings: At least 28–32 pt.
  • Body Text: At least 18–24 pt.
  • Subtitles: 20–28 pt, depending on their importance.
  • Ensure text is readable even from the back of a room if presenting to a live audience.

Font Styling for Accessibility

Styling can enhance or hinder readability.

Guidelines

  • Bold for Emphasis: Use bold text to highlight key points, but sparingly.
  • Avoid Italics and Underlining

    • Italics can be hard to read for some, especially at smaller sizes.
    • Underlining can be mistaken for hyperlinks.

  • Use Sentence or Title Case

    • Avoid ALL CAPS, as it is harder to read and can feel like shouting.

Font Color and Contrast

High contrast between text and background is critical.

Best Practices

  • Use dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background.
  • Avoid color combinations that are difficult for color-blind users, such as:

    • Red/green
    • Blue/yellow

  • Test your contrast with tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker.

Line Spacing and Text Alignment

Spacing and alignment also play a role in readability.

Recommendations

  • Use 1.2 to 1.5 line spacing for body text.
  • Leave ample space between lines and bullet points.
  • Align text to the left (left-justified) for readability. Avoid full justification, which can create uneven spacing.

Special Considerations for Dyslexia

Certain fonts are designed to improve readability for individuals with dyslexia, though standard sans-serif fonts often work well.

Dyslexia-Friendly Fonts

  • OpenDyslexic: A font specifically designed for dyslexic readers.
  • Lexend: Reduces visual stress by increasing spacing and simplifying letterforms.
  • Verdana or Arial: Recommended for their clean, sans-serif design.

Testing for Readability

Before finalizing your presentation:

  • Review Slide Distance: Test readability by standing far from the screen.
  • Seek Feedback: Ask colleagues or audience members for input on text clarity.
  • Use PowerPoint's Accessibility Checker: Go to Review > Check Accessibility to identify potential issues.