Canva and Document Accessibility

Using Canva to Create Accessible Documents

Creating visually appealing materials is important, but ensuring those materials are accessible to everyone is essential. Whether you’re designing flyers, presentations, social media graphics, or other pieces, accessibility should be part of your workflow from the very beginning.

Canva can make design easier, but it also requires intentional choices to ensure your content is usable by people of all abilities.

Key Accessibility Tools in Canva

Screen capture showing where the accessibility tools can be found in Canva. — Accessibility tool menu in Canva.

Canva provides accessibility checkers to help you get started creating an accessible document. The following tools are available as of today:

Alternative text (alt text): Add descriptions to images and elements so screen readers can describe them.

Accessibility checker: Scan your design to check the following items:

typography
color contrast
alt text

To access these tools, open or create a design, then look for the options under File > Accessibility or in the element’s More Options menu.

Accessibility Fundamentals

Screen capture showing a layer order panel in Canva. — Canva’s layer order panel.

Structure content clearly by moving the layers in the correct reading order
Use high-contrast color combinations
Choose readable fonts (UF brand fonts are best)
Do not rely on color alone to explain information or data
Use patterns, texture, symbols or labels to help
Add alt text to images/graphics that provide information to the reader
Mark images as decorative if they don’t convey any information
Be sure animations and motion are not distracting
Export using the PDF Standard option, and be sure “Flatten PDF” is NOT checked.

Review the exported PDF for accessibility using the proper tools. Learn more about checking PDFs here: Getting Started with Making PDFs ADA Compliant.

Final Thoughts

Accessible design is not about limiting creativity. It helps expand audiences and ensures your message reaches everyone. In fact, following these principles can help make your designs better for both sighted and non-sighted people.

By making small, intentional adjustments, you can create materials that are beautiful, follow brand guidelines, and are effective.

Resources

Learn more about Canva and accessibility here: canva.com/accessibility

Need help reviewing designs for accessibility? Submit an ADA Document Accessibility request using our request form found here: ics.ifas.ufl.edu/asana.