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State of Vermont Report Templates 

The Chief Marketing Office has developed a Microsoft Word report templates that offer style settings for easy use and options for a variety of content types. Below are step-by-step editing instructions.


Download a State of Vermont Word Report Template 

Please note the report templates are located on the Chief Marketing Office SharePoint site and are only available to State of Vermont employees.

  • Report Template with Photo Cover Page

    Template with photo cover page, contact information, table of contents, executive summary, data points, tables, chart, profile/success story, and sample heading nest.

    State of Vermont Report Template
  • Report Template with Coat of Arms Cover Page

    Template with Coat of Arms cover page, contact information, table of contents, executive summary, data points, tables, chart, profile/success story, and sample heading nest.

    State of Vermont Report Template with Coat of Arms Cover Page
  • Report Template without a Cover Page

    Template with contact information, table of contents, executive summary, data points, tables, chart, profile/success story, and sample heading nest.

    State of Vermont Report Template without a Cover Page

Instructions to Edit the State of Vermont Word Report Templates 

Using the Accessible Report Template Training Module

A step-by-step training is available for Using the Accessible Report Template. This training was developed for State employees to learn how to use and edit the template and covers the instructions outlined below in an alternative format. This learn-at-your-own-pace module provides two options for understanding the instructions using a mock-report. A 'Show Me' option where users can watch the steps being completed and a 'Try It' option where users can interact with the module and complete the steps as the instructions are read aloud.

Step 1: Create a Template File 

The first step is to create an actual Word template file on your computer. Saving the document as a 'true' Word template will allow you to use the template again and again without the danger of overwriting it. 

  1. Open

    Open the template in your web browser.

  2. Editing

    Select the 'Editing' menu in the upper right to expand the editing options.

  3. Open in Desktop App

    Select the 'Open in Desktop App' option.

  4. Save As

    Select the ‘File’ menu at the top of the screen and 'Save As'.

  5. File Type

    Place your cursor in the 'File Type' field where Word Document (*.docx) appears.

  6. Word Template

    Select the 'Word Template (*.docx)' option in the list.

  7. Go To the Recommended Folder

    Select the 'Go to recommended folder' link.

  8. Save

    Select 'Save'.

  9. File

    Select the 'File' menu at the top of the screen and 'Close'.

  • Create a Template

    Explore the Microsoft Support section to learn how to create a template.

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Step 2: Create a New Document 

The next step is to create a new document based on your saved template. In this step, you will save the document with a file name that meets accessibility standards. 

  1. New

    Select the ‘File’ menu at the top of the screen and 'New'.

  2. Personal

    Select the 'Personal' tab to see the template you previously saved.

  3. Template File

    Select the template file. The actual name will vary depending on the version of the file.

  4. Save As

    Select the ‘File’ menu at the top of the screen and 'Save As'.

  5. Enter the File Name Here

    Place your cursor in the 'Enter the file name here' field.

  6. Navigate

    Navigate to where you wish to save the file.

  7. Enter File Name Here

    Type your file name in the 'Enter file name here' box.

    • Don't include 'final' or 'draft' as part of your document name. 
    • Use lowercase letters with dashes (for example, document-accessibility-checklist.docx).
    • Do not use underscores, spaces, special characters, or version dates (unless it’s in the title).
  8. Save

    Select 'Save'.

  • Create a Document

    Watch a video from the Microsoft Support section to learn how to create a document in Word.

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  • Create Accessible File Names

    Watch a video from the Microsoft Support section to learn how to create accessible file names.

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    • FILE NAMES

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Step 3: Edit the Document Properties 

In step three, you will edit the document metaproperties (Title, Tags, Comments, Author, etc.). Start by adding a title and updating the author. Once updated, the document metaproperties will be transferred to the PDF document properties. 

The title is different from the file name. This is an opportunity to be more descriptive without the file naming convention elements like dashes, dates, versions, etc. It also improves the overall searchability and accessibility of the document properties. 

The author is listed as the individual who developed the template by default. It is essential to update the author to you and/or your team's other member(s). This detail is helpful if a reader needs to connect with the author.  

  1. Info

    Select the ‘File’ menu at the top of the screen and 'Info'.

  2. Show All Properties

    Select 'Show All Properties' at the bottom on the right.

  3. Title

    On the right, there is an option for a 'Title'. Place your cursor anywhere in the text 'Add a title' and enter your document title.

    • Don’t include 'final' or 'draft' in the title.
    • A best practice is to use the title supplied on your document's first page.
  4. Author

    Update the document author.

  5. Remove Person

    Right-click on the current author and select 'Remove Person'.

  6. Add an Author

    Select the 'Add an author' field.

  7. Address

    Select the 'Address' book button.

  8. Search

    Place your cursor in the 'Search' field.

  9. Last Name of the Author

    Type the last name of the author and press 'Enter'.

  10. Select

    Select the correct author from the search results. 

  11. To

    Select 'To'.

  12. Ok

    Select 'Ok'.

  13. Back Arrow

    Select the back arrow at the top of the screen to return to the template.

  14. Save

    Select 'Save'.

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Step 4: Open the Styles Panel 

The template includes preset styles that are accessible. Each content type within the template begins with details in parentheses. This detail designates the paragraph style for that content type and if any character styles are applied.

Use headings to organize your content, and use lists whenever possible – bulleted or numbered. Using the headings in the correct order organizes your content for people who might be using assistive technology such as screen readers. Screen readers can navigate a document by paragraph style. Designating headings within sections sequentially will create a hierarchy. This hierarchy helps users receive content in the correct order. Never skip heading levels.

  • Sample Heading Nest

    Heading 1

    Normal Text Large: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas tempus aliquam accumsan. Duis tincidunt turpis quam, in commodo sem malesuada.

    Heading 2

    Normal Text: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas tempus aliquam accumsan. Duis tincidunt turpis quam, in commodo sem malesuada.

    Heading 3

    Normal Text: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas tempus aliquam accumsan. Duis tincidunt turpis quam, in commodo sem malesuada.

  1. Home

    Navigate to the 'Home' menu at the top of the screen.

  2. Styles Dialog Launcher

    Select the 'Styles Dialog Launcher' button (down arrow) in the lower right-hand corner of the ‘Styles’ section of the ribbon.

  3. Styles Panel

    This opens the 'Styles' panel.

Helpful Tip

In the 'Styles' panel, paragraph and character styles are distinguished by ‘a’ or ‘¶a’. The ‘a’ are character styles, and ‘¶a’ are paragraph styles.

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Step 5: Add Content 

Before you begin to add content to the template, select the ‘Home’ menu at the top of the screen and 'Show / Hide ¶'. This will display hidden characters.

Each report template utilizes section breaks. These section breaks are utilized to transition between different column settings within each layout. To view the column settings in between any section break: 

  1. Click the ‘Layout’ menu at the top of the screen and click the 'Columns' dropdown arrow.
  2. Select the ‘More Columns’ option.
  3. The dialogue box that appears details the number and width and spacing of each column. 
  4. Click 'Ok' to return to the template.

The template includes basic content types. Each element has been assigned paragraph and/or character styles, which help improve document accessibility. Each content element begins with the specified style(s) in parenthesis. By example:

(Heading 1) Executive Summary or Section Introduction

When you complete your document, you will want to remove the specified style(s) within the parenthesis, but during the draft process, these are helpful reminders if styles need to be re-applied. To add content to the template, you can type directly into the template or copy and paste content.

Accessible Accommodations Statement

An accessible accommodations statement has been included in the templates. This statement helps users request the content in an alternative format. The Chief Marketing Office recommends that this information be included on all State of Vermont communications. When including an accessible accommodations statement, list a specific person in charge of the communication. Do not list a generic email address. The person listed must be available and reachable at the contact methods supplied to answer questions. It is also important to supply more than one contact method.

To receive this information in an alternative format or for other accessibility requests, contact:
Name, Title 
Agency/Department
first.last@vermont.gov, 802-000-0000

Note

Any images in the templates are from Microsoft Stock Photos. You can utilize other Microsoft Stock Photos or images you acquired elsewhere. 

To utilize images that you have acquired elsewhere:

  1. Backspace

    Select the photo and press ‘Backspace’ to delete. A paragraph symbol (¶) appears on the line where the photo was inserted.

  2. Move Cursor

    Place your cursor at the beginning of the line where the photo was inserted.

  3. Insert

    Open the 'Insert' menu at the top of the screen.

  4. This Device

    Select the 'Picture' icon and select 'This Device'.

  5. Insert

    Navigate to your picture file and select 'Insert'.

  6. Styles Panel

    Once inserted, select the image and designate the 'Normal' paragraph style in the 'Styles' panel.

  7. Picture Format

    Open the 'Picture Format' menu at the top of the screen.

  8. In Line with Text

    Select 'Wrap Text' and confirm that 'In Line with Text' is selected. All images need to be 'In Line with Text' for accessibility.

  9. Crop

    Select ‘Crop’ and make the height 2.75” to set the maximum height of your picture.

  10. Alt Text

    Select 'Alt Text' to open the 'Alt Text' panel.

  11. Remove Default Alt Text

    Select any default text in the 'Alt Text' field and press backspace to delete the content.

  12. Add Alt Text

    Enter your alt text into the 'Alt Text' field.

To utilize Microsoft Stock Photos: 

  1. Backspace

    Select the photo and press ‘Backspace’ to delete. A paragraph symbol (¶) appears on the left of the screen on the line where the photo was inserted.

  2. Move Cursor

    Place your cursor at the beginning of the line where the photo was inserted.

  3. Insert

    Open the 'Insert' menu at the top of the screen.

  4. Illustrations

    Select the 'Pictures' dropdown arrow from the 'Illustrations' section.

  5. Stock Images

    Select 'Stock Images'.

  6. Search

    Search for options available within Word. When photos are inserted this way, they have alt text by default.

  7. Select

    Once you locate a new image, select it.

  8. Insert

    Select  'Insert (1)' at the bottom of the window.

  9. Picture Format

    Open the 'Picture Format' menu at the top of the screen.

  10. Alt Text

    Select 'Alt Text' to open the 'Alt Text' panel.

  11. Remove Default Alt Text

    Select any default text in the 'Alt Text' field and press backspace to delete the content.

  12. Mark as Decorative or Add Alt Text

    Select the 'Mark as decorative' checkbox or enter alt text into the 'Alt Text' field.

  1. Place Your Cursor

    Place your cursor on the portion of content you would like to edit.

  2. Select Content

    Select the sample content, leaving the style details within the parenthesis unselected. This will ensure your new content maintains the correct paragraph and character styles.

  3. Update Content

    Begin to enter your new content. If you are pasting content, right-click and choose 'Keep Text Only (T)' as the paste option. This will ensure that the content is added without any paragraph or character styles from where it was copied.

  4. Select Paragraph/Character Style Details

    Once you have updated the content, select just the parenthesis and specified style(s) at the beginning of the content type.

  5. Backspace

    Press backspace to remove the parenthesis and specified style(s).

When you get to the point where you are ready to change the color of different paragraph or character styles, make this change within the 'Styles' panel to ensure the update is made throughout your document. A State of Vermont theme has been established for the template. The color options within the theme are from the State of Vermont Color Palette. The paragraph and character styles within the template have been set to dark grey, as colors should be changed or selected after all content is added.

  1. Place Your Cursor

    Locate the content you want to change (e.g., 'Heading 1'). Place your cursor anywhere in the content of 'Heading 1'.

  2. Styles Panel

    On the 'Styles' panel, 'Heading 1' becomes highlighted.

  3. Down Arrow

    A small down arrow is on the right side of the listing for 'Heading 1'.

  4. Modify

    Select the down arrow and select 'Modify'.

  5. Color List

    Open the 'Color List'.

  6. Select Color

    Select a different color from the established State of Vermont template options.

  7. Ok

    Select 'Ok'.

  8. Updated Style

    The appearance of the 'Heading 1' style has now been updated throughout your document to reflect the new color choice.

When adding pictures, it is essential to follow the proper steps to ensure they are inserted correctly and formatted and that alt text is added.

  1. Place Your Cursor

    Place your cursor in the template where you want to add a picture.

  2. Insert

    Open the 'Insert' menu at the top of the screen.

  3. This Device

    Select the 'Pictures' icon and 'This Device' from the options provided.

  4. Insert

    Navigate to your picture file and select 'Insert'.

  5. Styles

    Once inserted, select the picture and the 'Normal' paragraph style in the 'Styles' panel.

  6. Picture Format

    With the picture still selected, select the 'Picture Format' menu at the top of the screen.

  7. In Line with Text

    Select 'Wrap Text' and confirm that 'In Line with Text' is selected. All images need to be 'In Line with Text' for accessibility.

  8. References

    With the picture still selected, open the 'References' menu at the top of the screen.

  9. Insert Caption

    Select 'Insert Caption'.

  10. Label

    Ensure the 'Label' is set to 'Figure' and the 'Position' is set to 'Below selected item'.

  11. Ok

    Select 'Ok'.

  12. Caption

    The new caption is added and automatically designated with the 'Caption' paragraph style.

  13. Edit the Caption

    Edit the caption to provide a detailed description of the picture.

  14. Copy the Caption

    Select the caption, and right-click and copy the text.

  15. Picture Format

    Open the 'Picture Format' menu at the top of the screen.

  16. Alt Text

    Select 'Alt Text' to open the 'Alt Text' panel.

  17. Remove Default Alt Text

    Select any default text in the 'Alt Text' field and press backspace to delete the content.

  18. Paste the Caption Text

    Right-click and paste your caption into the 'Alt Text' field.

Helpful Tip

Add captions following the steps outlined above so they are automatically numbered and organized throughout your document. This will allow you to create a Table of Figures or Table of Contents for your figures for longer documents.

Icons are added visual elements and should be considered decorative. Be sure to add any information that icons should convey as part of the written content. To insert or change icons follow the steps below. 

Add New Icons

  1. Insert

    Open the 'Insert' menu at the top of the screen.

  2. Icons

    Select 'Icons' from the 'Illustrations' section.

  3. Search

    Search for options available within Word. When icons are inserted this way, they have alt text by default.

  4. Select

    Once you locate a new icon, select it.

  5. Insert

    Select 'Insert (1)'.

  6. Graphics Format

    Open the 'Graphics Format' menu at the top of the screen.

  7. Alt Text

    Select 'Alt Text' to open the 'Alt Text' panel.

  8. Select Text

    Select any default text in the 'Alt Text' field and press backspace to delete the content.

  9. Mark as Decorative

    Select the 'Mark as decorative' checkbox or type your alt text into the 'Alt Text' field.

Change Existing Icons

  1. Select

    Select the icon that you would like to change.

  2. Graphics Format

    Open the 'Graphics Format' menu at the top of the screen.

  3. Change Graphic

    Select 'Change Graphic' and select 'From Icons'.

  4. Search

    Search for options available within Word. When icons are inserted this way, they have alt text by default.

  5. Select

    Once you locate a new icon, select the icon.

  6. Insert

    Select 'Insert (1)'.

  7. Graphics Format

    Open the 'Graphics Format' menu at the top of the screen.

  8. Alt Text

    Select 'Alt Text' to open the 'Alt Text' panel.

  9. Select Text

    Select any default text in the 'Alt text' field and press backspace to delete the content.

  10. Mark as Decorative

    Select the 'Mark as decorative' checkbox or type your alt text into the 'Alt Text' field.

Pictures or icons that serve no purpose in conveying information should be marked as decorative. Marking them as decorative will cause screen readers to skip over them when reading the screen.

  1. Select

    Select a picture or icon that should be marked as decorative.

  2. Picture Format

    Open the 'Picture Format' menu at the top of the screen.

  3. Alt Text

    Select 'Alt Text' to open the 'Alt Text' panel.

  4. Select Text

    Select any default text in the 'Alt text' field and press backspace to delete the content.

  5. Mark as Decorative

    Select the 'Mark as decorative' checkbox.

The steps below guide adding charts to the template. Please note these steps do not supply specific instructions for formatting the chart; they focus on the steps needed to make the chart accessible.

Add New Charts

  1. Place your Cursor

    Place your cursor in the template where you want to add a chart.

  2. Insert

    Open the 'Insert' menu at the top of the screen.

  3. Chart

    Select the 'Chart' button.

  4. Type of Chart

    Select the type of chart you would like to add on the left of the 'Insert Chart' window.

  5. Insert Chart

    Choose the desired chart sub-type on the right of the 'Insert Chart' window.

  6. Ok

    Select 'Ok'.

  7. Enter Data

    Update the details in the chart grid to reflect your data.

  8. Close

    Select 'X' to close the grid.

  9. Styles Panel

    With the chart/graphic selected, select the 'Normal' paragraph style in the 'Styles' panel.

  10. Format

    With the chart/graphic selected, open the 'Format' menu at the top of the screen.

  11. Wrap Text

    Select 'Wrap Text' and confirm that 'In Line with Text' is selected. All images need to be 'In Line with Text' for accessibility.

  12. References

    With your chart/graphic still selected, select the 'References' menu at the top of the screen.

  13. Insert Caption

    Select 'Insert Caption'.

  14. Label

    Ensure the 'Label' is set to 'Figure' and the 'Position' is set to 'Below selected item'.

  15. Ok

    Select 'Ok'.

  16. Paragraph Style

    The new caption is automatically designated with the 'Caption' paragraph style.

  17. Edit the Caption

    Edit the caption to describe what is being shown in the chart/graphic. Name the chart type (for example, bar, pie, line, etc.), data type, or axes. Concisely describe overall trends or patterns and relevant data points.

  18. Select Caption Text

    Select the text you just added, and right-click and copy the text.

  19. Select the Chart

    Select the chart.

  20. Format

    Open the 'Format' menu at the top of the screen.

  21. Alt Text

    Select 'Alt Text' to open the 'Alt Text' panel.

  22. Select Text

    Select any default text in the 'Alt text' field and press backspace to delete the content.

  23. Paste

    To set your caption as 'Alt Text', right-click and 'Paste' your content into the 'Alt Text' field.

Change a Chart Type

  1. Select

    Select the chart.

  2. Chart Design

    Open the 'Chart Design' window at the top of the screen.

  3. Change Chart Type

    Select 'Change Chart Type' on the far right.

  4. Select Chart Type

    Select the desired chart type on the 'Change Chart Type' window.

  5. Ok

    Select 'Ok'.

  6. Edit the Caption

    Edit the caption to describe what is being shown in the chart/graphic. Name the chart type (for example, bar, pie, line, etc.), data type, or axes. Concisely describe overall trends or patterns and relevant data points.

  7. Copy the Caption

    Select the text you just added, and right-click and copy the text.

  8. Select the Chart

    Select the chart.

  9. Format

    Open the 'Format' menu at the top of the screen.

  10. Alt Text

    Select 'Alt Text' to open the 'Alt Text' panel.

  11. Select Text

    Select any default text in the 'Alt text' field and press backspace to delete the content.

  12. Paste

    To set your caption as 'Alt Text', right-click and 'Paste' your content into the 'Alt Text' field.

Helpful Tip

Add captions following the steps outlined above so they are automatically numbered and organized throughout your document. This will allow you to create a Table of Figures or Table of Contents for your figures for longer documents.

The template includes two preset table styles. To insert a new table, follow the steps below. 

  1. Place your Cursor

    Place your cursor in the template where you want to add a table.

  2. Insert

    Open the 'Insert' menu at the top of the screen.

  3. Insert Table

    Select 'Table' and select 'Insert Table'.

  4. Ok

    Enter the desired number of columns and rows and select 'Ok'.

  5. Layout

    With your cursor in the new table, open the 'Layout' tab at the top of the screen.

  6. Select Table

    Choose 'Select' and 'Select Table' at the left of the screen to highlight the entire table.

  7. Table Design

    Open the 'Table Design' menu at the top of the screen.

  8. Table Styles

    The two leftmost style options within the 'Table Styles' are 'SOV Table Style Option 1' and 'SOV Table Style Option 2'.

  9. SOV Table Style Options

    Select one of the two SOV Table Styles. This will automatically apply preset styles to your table that have been established to complement the template and meet accessibility best practices.

  10. Add Content

    Add content to the table.

  11. Paragraph and Character Styles

    Within the paragraph and character 'Styles' panel, there are established styles for formatting the content of the table cells. (E.g., Table Cell - Dark Text and Table Header Row)

Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page where a footnote number is inserted, and endnotes appear at the end of the document. To ensure accessibility, the applicable paragraph styles must be applied to the footnote or endnote text.

  1. Place your Cursor

    Place your cursor in the location where you would like to add a footnote or endnote.

  2. References

    Open the ‘References’ menu at the top of the screen.

  3. Insert Footnote

    Within ‘Footnotes’, select ‘Insert Footnote’ or ‘Insert Endnote’.

  4. Add Text

    Add the text for the new footnote or endnote, including the reference number.

  5. Paragraph Style

    Select the footnote or endnote text and reference number and designate this content with the ‘Footnote Text’ or ‘Endnote Text’ paragraph style in the ‘Styles' panel.

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  • Insert Pictures

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Step 6: Update the Table of Contents and Figures 

The report templates include a Table of Contents and a Table of Figures for easy document navigation. Both elements are developed with paragraph styles that have been established to complement the template and meet accessibility best practices. The styles display the hierarchy and complement the formatting of the headings used throughout the document.

  1. Table of Contents

    Once you have completed the body of your report, navigate to the 'Table of Contents’.

  2. Update Table

    Place your cursor in any of the text within the Table of Contents and select ‘Update Table’ in the upper left corner to update the content based upon your designated ‘Heading’ paragraph styles.

  3. Update

    If you have already updated the Table of Contents once, the next time that you update it, you will have the option to 'Update page numbers only' or 'Update entire table'. If you have not customized any of the Table of Contents copy, select 'Update entire table'. If you have already customized the copy, select 'Update page numbers only'.

  4. Paragraph Syles

    The Table of Contents is updated with preset Paragraph Styles.

Helpful Tip

You are able to edit or trim the content that auto populates when updating the 'Table of Contents', but it if you click ‘Update Table’ again after making edits, your changes will be overwritten.

  1. Table of Figures

    Once you have completed the body of your report, navigate to the 'Table of Figures’ below the Table of Contents.

  2. Place your Cursor

    Place your cursor in any part of the text for the listed figures.

  3. References

    Open the 'References' tab on the top of the screen.

  4. Update Table

    Within the 'Captions' section, select 'Update Table'. NOTE: There are two 'Update Table' options on the 'References' tab, so make sure you are within the 'Captions' section.

  5. Update

    You have the option to 'Update page numbers only' or 'Update entire table'. If you have not customized any of the Table of Figures copy, select 'Update entire table'. If you have already customized the copy, select 'Update page numbers only'.

  6. Paragraph Styles

    The Table of Figures is updated with preset Paragraph Styles.

Helpful Tip

You are able to edit or trim the content that auto populates when updating the 'Table of Figures', but it if you click ‘Update Table’ again after making edits, your changes will be overwritten.

The Navigation Pane will allow you to verify your heading order and ensure that all headings have been marked with an appropriate heading style which will assist those with accessibility issues in navigating your document. The Navigation Pane also allows you to navigate between different headings in your document quickly. 

  1. View

    Open the ‘View’ tab at the top of the screen.

  2. Navgation Pane

    Within ‘Show’, check ‘Navigation Pane’ to open the ‘Navigation Pane’.

  3. Review and Confirm

    Review and confirm that the headings within your document are designated in the correct order. You are able to select through each of the headings to confirm that a user will navigate through the content in the order that you intend.

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    • TABLE OF FIGURES
  • Using the Navigation Pane

    Review a video from the Microsoft Support section to learn how to use the navigation pane in Word.

    • By Microsoft
    • New
    • TABLE OF FIGURES

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Step 7: Run the Accessibility Checker 

Run the Word Accessibility Checker to make sure your document is accessible. The checker provides errors and warnings when content formatting is not considered accessible. Additionally, the Accessibility Checker provides direction or tips on fixing errors and warnings. This can be done after the document is drafted, but keeping it running as you work is more helpful so you can correct issues as you add content.

  1. Review

    Open the 'Review' menu at the top of the screen.

  2. Check Accessibility

    Select 'Check Accessibility' to open the 'Accessibility' panel.

  3. Review the Accessibility Panel

    Review the 'Accessibility' panel for any 'Errors' or 'Warnings'.

  4. Correct Errors and Warnings

    Correct each of the 'Errors' and 'Warnings'.

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Step 8: Remove Comments 

The template contains comments that have helpful reminders and tips when adding your content. Before creating a PDF of the Word document, the comments need to be removed so they do not save as part of the PDF file.

  1. Review

    Open the 'Review' menu at the top of the screen.

  2. Show Comments

    On the 'Show Comments' button, select the down arrow and select 'List' to open the 'Comments' panel.

  3. Review Comments

    Review each comment to make sure there are no remaining items to address.

  4. Comment Options

    At the top of each comment is a series of three dots.

  5. Delete Thread

    Select the three dots and 'Delete Thread' to remove each comment.

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Step 9: Save as a PDF 

Before creating a PDF of the Word document, make sure the following steps have been completed: 

  1. Remove all comments.
  2. Remove all Paragraph Styles provided in parentheses throughout the template.
  3. Run the Accessibility Checker one final time and correct all errors and warnings.
  4. Run a final spell check.

  1. Acrobat

    If you have Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, open the 'Acrobat' tab at the top of the screen and select 'Create PDF'.

  2. File

    If you have Adobe Reader, open the 'File' menu at the top of the screen and select 'Save as Adobe PDF'.

  3. Navigate to File Folder

    Navigate to the location where you would like to save your PDF.

  4. Save

    Select 'Save'.

Helpful Tip

Do not create a PDF by selecting 'Print' and changing your 'Printer' to 'Adobe PDF'. Do not create a PDF by selecting 'Save As' and changing your file type/extension to 'PDF'.

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Step 10: Run the Acrobat Accessibility Checker 

Once the Word document has been saved as a PDF, the new file must be opened in Adobe Acrobat Pro. The Accessibility Checker must be completed to find accessibility issues within the PDF file. Even though the Accessibility Checker was run in the Word file, elements often need to be corrected on the PDF version. Frequently, some of the Acrobat Accessibility Check warnings confirm the document properties and formatting completed in the steps above. It is essential to see this as an opportunity to double-check that content meets accessibility guidelines. 

  1. Open

    Open your PDF.

  2. Menu

    Open the 'Menu' at the top of the screen and select 'Document properties'.

  3. Add Metadata

    Add metadata (Title, Author, Subject, Keywords) on the 'Description' tab. The Document Properties that were added in Step 3 above should be provided. This step assures that all the metadata details are as intended.

  4. Ok

    Scroll down to the bottom of the window and select 'Ok'.

  5. Prepare for Accessibility

    Select the 'All tools' menu, 'Prepare for accessibility', and 'Check for accessibility'.

  6. Accessibility Checker Options

    On the 'Accessibility Checker Options' window, select 'Select All' to ensure all options are checked.

  7. Start Checking

    Select 'Start Checking'.

  8. Accessibility Checker

    A new 'Accessibility Checker' panel opens with details of any accessibility issues within your PDF file.

  9. Correct Accessibility Issues

    Correct each of the accessibility issues that have been flagged.

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