Microsoft Word Checklist

Text

• Font size should be readable.
• Font should be clear and easy to read.
• Font colors should have clear contrast from backgrounds.
• Font color along shouldn't be the only way to convey meaning.
• Use the built-in list formatting for bullets and numbering (ordered).
• Reading order is logical (left to right, top to bottom).

Headings

• Use the application styles to create headings based on outline level (not visual style).
• Don't skip heading levels.
• Headings are used consistently and follow a logical structure (Heading 1 then Heading 2 then Heading 3).

Images, charts, and graphs

• Images of text are not accessible (legacy images and screenshots with text should be have the text included in alternative (alt) text).
• Alternative text should describe the content and context of the image, including emotions of people pictured, and end with a period.
• Alt text for charts and screenshots should include the meaning conveyed in the image.
• Very complex images can include a figure caption to describe in more detail.

Hyperlinks (links)

• Links should describe the content they are opening (avoid more than 7-10 words).
• Do not use "click here" or raw URLs (https:/www.example.com).
• Use of color, bolding, italics, or ALL CAPS to convey meaning.
• How lists are created (bullets/numbered lists vs. hyphens or manual spacing).

Tables

• Tables should have formatted table headers and a simple layout.
• Should be used for structured data not layout.
• Repeating data preferred to merging cells.
• Color contrast should be clear between any shaded cells and their text.

Color contrast

• Bold text, italics, size variations, shapes, or icons are used as visual cues (not just color).
• Colors are selected that have sufficient contrast when placed together (e.g., text, background).
• Review UTMB branding color combination suggestions, they have considered contrast.
• Use a color contrast checker and aim for WCAG 2.1 AAA when possible.

Reminders

• Remediate older documents when updating.
• Document has a clear, descriptive title, including page, file, and properties/metadata.
• Keep in Word format rather than Portable Document Format (PDF) unless required.