Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Make your onenote notebooks accessible to people with disabilities

This topic gives you step-by-step instructions and best practices to make your OneNote notebooks accessible to people with disabilities. When your notebooks are accessible you unlock your content to everyone, and people with differing abilities can read and use your notebook. You learn, for example, how to add alt texts to images so that people using screen readers are able to listen what the image is all about.

Main view of the OneNote for Windows 10.

People who are blind or have low vision can understand your notes more easily if you create your OneNote notebooks with accessibility in mind.

The following table includes best practices for creating OneNote notebooks that are accessible to people with disabilities.

What to fix

Why fix it

How to fix it

Include alternative text with all pictures and embedded files.

Alternative text that describes pictures and other objects is important for people who can't see the screen. Screen readers read alternate text aloud, so it's the only information that some people will have about pictures and objects. Ensure that the alternative text is meaningful.

Avoid using images as the sole method of conveying text, as lengthy alternative text is cumbersome to navigate with a screen reader.

Add alternative text that describes the image or object for people who can't see it. Keep it brief, but include a description of what's important about the image.

If you have to use an image with a short text in it, repeat that text in the body text.

When inserting a file printout, make sure to keep the original file on the page as an alternative source of the information.

Add alt text to images

Add alt text to embedded files

To find missing alternative text, use the Accessibility Checker.

Add meaningful hyperlink text.

People who use screen readers sometimes scan a list of links. Links should convey clear and accurate information about the destination. For example, instead of linking from the text "Click here," include the full title of the destination page.

Add meaningful hyperlink text

Give section groups, sections, and pages unique names, and remove empty items.

Notebooks with content named descriptively make it easier for you to find specific information in your notes. This also helps people using screen readers to know what a section, section group, or page contains without opening it.

Rename sections

Delete sections

Rename section groups

Delete section groups

Add a title or rename a page

Delete a page

Ensure that color is not the only means of conveying information.

People with impaired vision, no vision, or colorblindness might miss the meaning conveyed by particular colors.

Make sure you don't use color alone to convey meaning. Create text that duplicates the meaning of the color or other sensory characteristics.

Use additional means to convey the information, such as a shape or label. For example, consider using a green checkmark to indicate success and a red X to indicate failure, instead of green and red shading.

Use accessible text formatting

Use sufficient contrast for text and background colors.

The text in your notebooks should be readable in the high contrast mode so that everyone, including people with visual disabilities, can see it well.

For example, use bright colors or high-contrast color schemes on opposite ends of the color spectrum. White and black schemes make it easier for people who have low vision to distinguish text and shapes.

Use accessible text color

Use a larger font size (18pt or larger), sans-serif fonts, and appropriate white space.

People with dyslexia perceive text in a way that can make it difficult to distinguish letters and words. For example, they might perceive a line of text compressing into the line below, or adjacent letters seeming to merge.

Having multiple blank lines or consecutive spaces can make keyboard navigation slow and screen reader usage more cumbersome.

To reduce the reading load, you can, for example:

  • Use familiar sans-serif fonts, such as Arial or Calibri.

  • Avoid the use of all capital letters and excessive use of italics or underlines.

  • Include sufficient white space between lines and paragraphs, but avoid more than two spaces between words and two blank lines between paragraphs.

  • Left-align your paragraphs instead of using justification. This helps to avoid uneven gaps between words, which can create a visual effect of a river of white space flowing through the paragraph.

Use accessible text formatting

Use appropriate text alignment and spacing

Use built-in headings and styles.

Screen reader software recognizes built-in heading styles as headings, and can announce headings to the listener. Screen reader software also enables people to navigate by heading. To make it easier for screen readers to read your notes, use a logical heading order and the built-in formatting tools in OneNote.

In addition, people with reading disorders such as dyslexia depend on headings to help them structure information, and divide the information into smaller-sized chunks that are easier to process.

To make navigation easier, organize headings in the prescribed logical order. Use Heading 1, Heading 2, and then Heading 3, rather than Heading 3, Heading 1, and then Heading 2.

Use headings to organize the information in your notes into small chunks. Ideally, each heading includes only a few paragraphs.

Apply built-in heading styles

Use bulleted lists

Use ordered lists

To find headings that are not in a logical order, use the Accessibility Checker.

Keep information in a single note container.

In OneNote, you can add notes anywhere on a page by clicking and adding content. This creates a new note container.

Having all notes on a page in a single container helps screen reader users read in one place without having to navigate to multiple locations on the page.

Try moving all of the information on a page into a single note container. If a note container becomes too large, you can split it across multiple pages or add descriptive headers. (Screen readers refer to note containers as "content blocks.")

Use a simple table structure, and specify column header.

Screen readers keep track of their location in a table by counting table cells. If a table is nested within another table or if a cell is merged or split, the screen reader loses count and can't provide helpful information about the table after that point. Blank cells in a table could also mislead someone using a screen reader into thinking that there is nothing more in the table. Screen readers also use header information to identify rows and columns.

Add a table header

To ensure that tables don't contain nested tables, use the Accessibility Checker.

Make audio or video accessible to visually impaired and hearing impaired users.

Subtitles typically contain a transcription (or translation) of the dialogue.

Closed captions typically also describe audio cues such as music or sound effects that occur off-screen.

Video description means audio-narrated descriptions of a video's key visual elements. These descriptions are inserted into natural pauses in the program's dialogue. Video description makes video more accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Where possible, ensure that audio and video files are accessible before being inserted into OneNote.

Alternatively, insert an additional file into the notebook to provide supporting subtitles, captions or video description.

Add alt text to images

Add alt text to images, such as photos, graphics, clip art, and screenshots so that screen reader user can hear a description of the image.

Tip: Fill in both the Title and Description fields, as different screen readers read this information in different ways. Keep the texts short, start with the most important information, and aim to convey the content and functionality of the image.

  1. Right-click the image in your notebook, and select Alt Text.

  2. Type a title and a description for the image.

    Depending on your OneNote version, the Description field may already contain a machine-generated alt text. If you want to use this text, close the Alternative Text dialog box.

    Screenshot of the alternative text dialog in OneNote with example texts in the Title and Description fields.

  3. When you're ready, select OK.

Add alt text to embedded files

Add alt text to embedded files, such as supporting materials, job descriptions, or report templates so that screen reader users can hear a description of the file.

  1. Right-click the embedded file, and select Alt Text.

  2. Type a title and a description for the embedded file.

    Add alt text to a file printout dialog

    Depending on your OneNote version, the Description field may already contain a machine-generated alt text. If you want to use this text, close the Alternative Text dialog box.

  3. When you're ready, select OK.

Make hyperlinks and text accessible

The following procedures describe how to make the hyperlinks and text in your OneNote notebooks more accessible.

Add meaningful hyperlink text

Add meaningful text to a hyperlink to let users know what's behind the link.

  1. Select the text to which you want to add the hyperlink.

  2. On the Insert tab, select Link.

  3. The text you selected is shown in the Text to display field. This is the hyperlink text. You can change it if necessary.

    Tip: Avoid using "click here" or similar non-descriptive expressions. The link text should describe the destination page accurately but briefly.

  4. Add the hyperlink URL to the Address field.

    You can copy and paste the address, use the Browse the Web or Browse for File buttons, or pick a location in OneNote to find the destination page, file, or OneNote item.

    Screenshot of the link dialog in OneNote. Contains two fields to fill in: Text to display and Address.
  5. Select OK.

Rename sections

Descriptive and accurately titled sections help users find the section they need.

  1. In a notebook, right-click the section name you want to edit, and select Rename.

  2. Type the new name, and then press Enter.

    Screenshot of the context menu with the Rename option selected.

Delete sections

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused sections that contain no information.

  1. In a notebook, right-click the section you want to remove, and select Delete.

    Screenshot of the context menu for removing a section
  2. In the confirmation dialog box, select Yes.

Rename section groups

Descriptive and accurately titled section groups help users find the correct section group.

  1. In a notebook, right-click the section group name you want to edit, and select Rename.

    Rename a section group in OneNote for Windows dialog
  2. Type the new name, and then press Enter.

Delete section groups

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused section groups that contain no information.

  1. In a notebook, right-click the section group you want to remove, and select Delete.

    Delete section group in OneNote for Windows dialog
  2. In the confirmation dialog box, select Yes.

Add a title or rename a page

Descriptive and accurately titled pages help users find the correct page.

  1. In a notebook, open the page you want to name or rename.

  2. Type the name on the page title line above the time and date.

    Rename page in OneNote for the web

Delete a page

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused pages that contain no information.

  1. In the page list, right-click the page you want to remove, and select Delete.

    Delete page in OneNote for Windows dialog

Use accessible text formatting

To improve your text formatting, select a plain sans-serif font, use a larger font size, align your text to the left, and avoid excessive use of block capitals and italics.

  1. Select the text you want to format.

  2. On the Home tab you can select, for example, a larger font size and a sans-serif font. You can also use other formatting options, such as bold font for emphasis.

Use accessible text color

To ensure that text displays well in the high contrast mode, use the Automatic setting for font colors.

  1. Select your text.

  2. On the Home tab, click the down arrow on the Font Color button, and select Automatic.

    Screenshot of the font color option in the Home menu.

Use appropriate text alignment and spacing

Align your paragraph to the left to avoid uneven gaps between words, and increase or decrease the white space between lines to improve readability.

  1. Select the text you want to modify.

  2. On the Home tab, select Paragraph Alignment.

  3. To align the paragraph text to the left, select Align Left.

    Screenshot of the Paragraph Alignment options in OneNote 2016.
  4. To modify the line spacing, select Paragraph Spacing Options, and enter the spacing you want to use.

    Screenshot of the Paragraph Spacing Option in the Home menu.

    Note: The paragraph spacing values in OneNote follow a different logic than the values in, for example, Word. In OneNote, you need to enter the total number (in points) for both the current font size and its intended line spacing. For example, to double-space Calibri font size 11, enter 27 into the Line spacing at least field.

Apply built-in heading styles

Use the built-in heading styles to form an outline of the notebook pages for screen readers. Screen readers don't interpret a line of text with large and bold font as a heading unless the built-in styles are applied.

  1. Select the text for the heading.

  2. On the Home tab, select a heading style, such as Heading 2.

    Screenshot of selecting a heading style from the Home menu.

Use bulleted lists

When feasible, break the text into bullet points to improve readability and navigation.

  1. Place the cursor where you want to add the list in your notebook, or select the text to be included in the list.

  2. On the Home tab, select Bullets.

  3. To change the bullet style, click the down arrow on the Bullets button.

    Screenshot of the bullet list item selection in the Home menu.
  4. If needed, type the list items.

    Tip: Use a period or a comma at the end of each list item to make screen readers pause.

Use ordered lists

Use a numbered list for a sequence, as that is easier to follow than a continuous block of text.

  1. Place the cursor where you want to add the list in your notebook, or select the text to be included in the list.

  2. On the Home tab, select Numbering.

  3. To change the numbering style, click the down arrow on the Numbering button.

    Screenshot of the numbered list option in the Home menu.
  4. If needed, type the list items.

Add a table header

Add headers to your table to help screen readers keep track of the columns and rows.

All tables created in OneNote automatically have a header row. It is possible to remove/add the header row property using the OneNote Windows Desktop app. If you are using a notebook that has the Header Row property disabled, you can use the Windows Desktop app to resolve this issue.

  1. In your table, place the cursor somewhere on the first row.

  2. On the Table Tools tab, select Insert Above.

  3. Right-click the inserted row in the table, and select Table. Check that Header Row is selected.

  4. Go back to your table and type the column headings.

See also

Rules for the Accessibility Checker

Make your Word documents accessible to people with disabilities

Make your Excel documents accessible to people with disabilities

Make your PowerPoint presentations accessible to people with disabilities

Make your Outlook email accessible to people with disabilities

The following table includes best practices for creating OneNote for Mac notebooks that are accessible to people with disabilities.

What to fix

Why fix it

How to fix it

Include alternative text with all pictures and embedded files.

Alternative text that describes pictures and other objects is important for people who can't see the screen. Screen readers read alternate text aloud, so it's the only information that some people will have about pictures and objects. Ensure that the alternative text is meaningful.

Avoid using images as the sole method of conveying text, as lengthy alternative text is cumbersome to navigate with a screen reader.

Add alternative text that describes the image or object for people who can't see it. Keep it brief, but include a description of what's important about the image.

If you have to use an image with short text in it, repeat that text in the body text.

When inserting a file printout, make sure to keep the original file on the page as an alternative source of the information.

Add alt text to images

Add alt text to embedded files

To find missing alternative text, use the Accessibility Checker.

Add meaningful hyperlink text.

People who use screen readers sometimes scan a list of links. Links should convey clear and accurate information about the destination. For example, instead of linking from the text "Click here," include the full title of the destination page.

Add meaningful hyperlink text

Give section groups, sections, and pages unique names, and remove empty items.

Notebooks with content named descriptively make it easier for you to find specific information in your notes. This also helps people using screen readers to know what a section, section group or page contains without opening it.

Rename sections

Delete sections

Rename section groups

Delete section groups

Add a title or rename a page

Delete a page

Ensure that color is not the only means of conveying information.

People with impaired vision, no vision, or colorblindness might miss the meaning conveyed by particular colors.

Make sure you don't use color alone to convey meaning. Create text that duplicates the meaning of the color or other sensory characteristics.

Use additional means to convey the information, such as a shape or label. For example, consider using a green checkmark to indicate success and a red X to indicate failure, instead of green and red shading.

Use accessible text formatting

Use sufficient contrast for text and background colors.

The text in your notebooks should be readable in the high contrast mode so that everyone, including people with visual disabilities, can see it well.

For example, use bright colors or high-contrast color schemes on opposite ends of the color spectrum. White and black schemes make it easier for people who have low vision to distinguish text and shapes.

Use accessible text color

Use a larger font size (18pt or larger), sans-serif fonts, and appropriate white space.

People with dyslexia perceive text in a way that can make it difficult to distinguish letters and words. For example, they might perceive a line of text compressing into the line below, or adjacent letters seeming to merge.

Having multiple blank lines or consecutive spaces can make keyboard navigation slow and screen reader usage more cumbersome.

To reduce the reading load, you can, for example:

  • Use familiar sans-serif fonts, such as Arial or Calibri.

  • Avoid the use of all capital letters and excessive use of italics or underlines.

  • Include sufficient white space between lines and paragraphs, but avoid more than two spaces between words and two blank lines between paragraphs.

  • Left-align your paragraphs instead of using justification. This helps to avoid uneven gaps between words, which can create a visual effect of a river of white space flowing through the paragraph.

Use accessible text formatting

Use appropriate text alignment

Use built-in headings and styles.

Screen reader software recognizes built-in heading styles as headings, and can announce headings to the listener. Screen reader software also enables people to navigate by heading. To make it easier for screen readers to read your notes, use a logical heading order and the built-in formatting tools in OneNote.

In addition, people with reading disorders such as dyslexia depend on headings to help them structure information, and divide the information into smaller-sized chunks that are easier to process.

To make navigation easier, organize headings in the prescribed logical order. Use Heading 1, Heading 2, and then Heading 3, rather than Heading 3, Heading 1, and then Heading 2.

Use headings to organize the information in your notes into small chunks. Ideally, each heading includes only a few paragraphs.

Apply built-in heading styles

Use bulleted lists

Use ordered lists

To find headings that are not in a logical order, use the Accessibility Checker.

Keep information in a single note container.

In OneNote, you can add notes anywhere on a page by clicking and adding content. This creates a new note container.

Having all notes on a page in a single container helps screen reader users read in one place without having to navigate to multiple locations on the page.

Try moving all of the information on a page into a single note container. If a note container becomes too large, you can split it across multiple pages or add descriptive headers. (Screen readers refer to note containers as "content blocks.")

Use a simple table structure.

Screen readers keep track of their location in a table by counting table cells. If a table is nested within another table or if a cell is merged or split, the screen reader loses count and can't provide helpful information about the table after that point. Blank cells in a table could also mislead someone using a screen reader into thinking that there is nothing more in the table.

Screen readers also use header information to identify rows and columns.

All tables created in OneNote for Mac are created with a header row by default. To add a table header that has been removed, you must use the Windows Desktop app to Add a table header.

To ensure that tables don't contain nested tables, use the Accessibility Checker.

Make audio or video accessible to visually impaired and hearing impaired users.

Subtitles typically contain a transcription (or translation) of the dialogue.

Closed captions typically also describe audio cues such as music or sound effects that occur off-screen.

Video description means audio-narrated descriptions of a video's key visual elements. These descriptions are inserted into natural pauses in the program's dialogue. Video description makes video more accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Where possible, ensure that audio and video files are accessible before being inserted into OneNote.

Alternatively, insert an additional file into the notebook to provide supporting subtitles, captions or video description.

Add alt text to images

Add alt text to images, such as photos, graphics, clip art, and screenshots so that screen reader users can hear a description of the image.

  1. Right-click the image in your notebook, and select Alt Text.

  2. Type a title and a description in the fields. Keep it short, start with the most important information, and aim to convey the content and functionality of the image. When you're ready, select OK.

    Tip: Fill in both the Title and Description fields, as different screen readers read this information in different ways.

    Alt text dialog for OneNote on Mac.

Add alt text to embedded files

Add alt text to embedded files, such as supporting materials, job descriptions, or report templates so that screen reader users can hear a description of the file.

  1. Right-click the file in your notebook, and select Alt Text.

  2. Type a title and description for the file.

    Add alt text to embedded files in OneNote for Mac
  3. Once you're done, select OK.

Make hyperlinks and text accessible

The following procedures describe how to make the hyperlinks and text in your OneNote notebooks more accessible.

Add meaningful hyperlink text

Add meaningful text to a hyperlink to let users know what's behind the link.

  1. Select the text to which you want to add the hyperlink.

  2. On the Insert tab, select Link.

  3. The text you selected is shown in the Text to display field. This is the hyperlink text. You can change it if necessary.

    Tip: Avoid using "click here" or similar non-descriptive expressions. The link text should describe the destination page accurately but briefly.

  4. Add the hyperlink URL to the Address field. You can copy and paste the address from the original location.

    Hyperlink dialog in Mac.

  5. Select OK.

Rename sections

Descriptive and accurately titled sections help users find the section they need.

  1. In the sections list, right-click the section tab you want to edit, and select Rename.

  2. Type the new name.

    Section context menu with Rename section highlighted.

Delete sections

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused sections that contain no information.

  1. In the sections list, right-click the section tab you want to remove, and select Delete Section.

    Section context menu in Mac with Delete Section highlighted.

  2. In the confirmation dialog box, select Yes.

Rename section groups

Descriptive and accurately titled section groups help users find the correct section group.

  1. In the sections list, right-click the section group you want to rename.

  2. Select Rename.

    Rename section group in OneNote for Mac
  3. Type the new name for the section group, and then press Enter.

Delete section groups

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused section groups that contain no information.

  1. In the sections list, right-click the section group you want to remove.

  2. Select Delete.

    Delete section group in OneNote for Mac
  3. In the confirmation dialog box, select, Yes.

Add a title or rename a page

Descriptive and accurately titled pages help users find the correct page.

  1. In a notebook, open the page you want to name or rename.

  2. Type the name on the page title line above the time and date.

    Rename page in OneNote for Mac

Delete a page

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused pages that contain no information.

  1. In the page list, right-click the page you want to remove.

  2. Select Delete.

    Delete page in OneNote for Mac

Use accessible text formatting

To improve your text formatting, select a plain sans-serif font, use a larger font size, align your text to the left, and avoid excessive use of block capitals and italics.

  1. Select the text you want to format.

  2. On the Home tab you can select, for example, a larger font size and a sans-serif font. You can also use other formatting options, such as bold font for emphasis.

Use accessible text color

To ensure that text displays well in the high contrast mode, use the Automatic setting for font colors.

  1. Select your text.

  2. On the Home tab, click the down arrow on the Font Color button, and select Automatic.

    Font color pull down menu in OneNote for Mac.

Use appropriate text alignment

Align your paragraphs to the left to avoid uneven gaps between words.

  1. Select the text you want to modify.

  2. On the Home tab, select Paragraph Alignment, and select Align Left.

    Paragrah alignment pull down menu in Mac.

Apply built-in heading styles

Use the built-in heading styles to form an outline of the notebook pages for screen readers. Screen readers don't interpret a line of text with large and bold font as a heading unless the built-in styles are applied.

  1. Select the text for the heading.

  2. On the Home tab, select a heading style, such as Heading 2.

    Heading style menu in OneNote for Mac,

Use bulleted lists

When feasible, break the text into bullet points to improve readability and navigation.

  1. Place the cursor where you want to add the list in your notebook, or select the text to be included in the list.

  2. On the Home tab, select Bullets.

  3. To change the bullet style, click the down arrow on the Bullets button.

    Bulleted list pull down menu in Mac.
  4. If needed, type the list items.

    Tip: Use a period or a comma at the end of each list item to make screen readers pause.

Use ordered lists

Use a numbered list for a sequence, as that is easier to follow than a continuous block of text.

  1. Place the cursor where you want to add the list in your notebook, or select the text to be included in the list.

  2. On the Home tab, select Numbering.

  3. To change the numbering style, click the down arrow on the Numbering button.

    Numbered  list pull down menu in Mac.
  4. If needed, type the list items.

See also

Rules for the Accessibility Checker

Make your Word documents accessible to people with disabilities

Make your Excel documents accessible to people with disabilities

Make your PowerPoint presentations accessible to people with disabilities

Make your Outlook email accessible to people with disabilities

The following table includes best practices in OneNote for iOS for creating notebooks that are accessible to all people.

What to fix

Why fix it

How to fix it

Include alternative text with all pictures and embedded files.

Alternative text that describes pictures and other objects is important for people who can't see the screen. Screen readers read alternate text aloud, so it's the only information that some people will have about pictures and objects. Ensure that the alternative text is meaningful.

Avoid using images as the sole method of conveying text, as lengthy alternative text is cumbersome to navigate with a screen reader.

Add alternative text that describes the image or object for people who can't see it. Keep it brief, but include a description of what's important about the image.

If you have to use an image with short text in it, repeat that text in the body text.

When inserting a file printout, make sure to keep the original file on the page as an alternative source of the information.

Add alt text to images

Add alt text to embedded files

Add meaningful hyperlink text.

People who use screen readers sometimes scan a list of links. Links should convey clear and accurate information about the destination. For example, instead of linking from the text "Click here," include the full title of the destination page.

Add meaningful hyperlink text

Give section groups, sections, and pages unique names, and remove empty items.

Notebooks with content named descriptively make it easier for you to find specific information in your notes. This also helps people using screen readers to know what a section, section group or page contains without opening it.

Rename sections

Delete sections

Rename section groups

Delete section groups

Add a title or rename a page

Delete a page

Ensure that color is not the only means of conveying information.

People with impaired vision, no vision, or colorblindness might miss the meaning conveyed by particular colors.

Make sure you don't use color alone to convey meaning. Create text that duplicates the meaning of the color or other sensory characteristics.

Use additional means to convey the information, such as a shape or label. For example, consider using a green checkmark to indicate success and a red X to indicate failure, instead of green and red shading.

Use accessible text formatting

Use sufficient contrast for text and background colors.

The text in your notebooks should be readable in the high contrast mode so that everyone, including people with visual disabilities, can see it well.

For example, use bright colors or high-contrast color schemes on opposite ends of the color spectrum. White and black schemes make it easier for people who have low vision to distinguish text and shapes.

You can change the text colors in the desktop, Windows 10 app, and online versions of OneNote. The modified colors will be visible when the notebook is opened in the iOS version. For instructions on how to use accessible text colors in OneNote for Windows, Mac, Windows 10 app, or Online, see the respective sections in this article.

Use a larger font size (18pt or larger), sans-serif fonts, and appropriate white space.

People with dyslexia perceive text in a way that can make it difficult to distinguish letters and words. For example, they might perceive a line of text compressing into the line below, or adjacent letters seeming to merge.

Having multiple blank lines or consecutive spaces can make keyboard navigation slow and screen reader usage more cumbersome.

To reduce the reading load, you can, for example:

  • Use familiar sans-serif fonts, such as Arial or Calibri.

  • Avoid the use of all capital letters and excessive use of italics or underlines.

  • Include sufficient white space between lines and paragraphs, but avoid more than two spaces between words and two blank lines between paragraphs.

  • Left-align your paragraphs instead of using justification. This helps to avoid uneven gaps between words, which can create a visual effect of a river of white space flowing through the paragraph.

Use accessible text formatting

Use appropriate text alignment

Keep information in a single note container.

In OneNote, you can add notes anywhere on a page by clicking and adding content. This creates a new note container.

Having all notes on a page in a single container helps screen reader users read in one place without having to navigate to multiple locations on the page.

Try moving all of the information on a page into a single note container. If a note container becomes too large, you can split it across multiple pages or add descriptive headers. (Screen readers refer to note containers as "content blocks.")

Use a simple table structure.

Screen readers keep track of their location in a table by counting table cells. If a table is nested within another table or if a cell is merged or split, the screen reader loses count and can't provide helpful information about the table after that point. Blank cells in a table could also mislead someone using a screen reader into thinking that there is nothing more in the table.

Screen readers also use header information to identify rows and columns.

All tables created in OneNote for iOS are created with a header row by default. To add a table header that has been removed, you must use the Windows Desktop app to Add a table header.

To ensure that tables don't contain nested tables inspect them visually in OneNote for iOS or use the Accessibility Checker in the desktop, Windows 10 app, or online versions of OneNote.

Make audio or video accessible to visually impaired and hearing impaired users.

Subtitles typically contain a transcription (or translation) of the dialogue.

Closed captions typically also describe audio cues such as music or sound effects that occur off-screen.

Video description means audio-narrated descriptions of a video's key visual elements. These descriptions are inserted into natural pauses in the program's dialogue. Video description makes video more accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Where possible, ensure that audio and video files are accessible before being inserted into OneNote.

Alternatively, insert an additional file into the notebook to provide supporting subtitles, captions or video description.

Add alt text to images

Add alt text to images such as photos, graphics, clip art, and screenshots so that screen reader users can hear a description of the image.

  1. On the notebook page, tap and hold the image, and in the context menu, swipe left, and select Alt Text.

  2. Type a description for the image. Keep it short, start with the most important information, and aim to convey the content and functionality of the image. When you're ready, select Done.

    Alt text dialog box for images in OneNote for iOS.

Add alt text to embedded files

Add alt text to embedded files, such as supporting materials, job descriptions, or report templates so that screen reader users can hear a description of the file.

  1. On the notebook page, tap and hold the file.

  2. In the context menu, swipe left, and select Alt Text.

  3. Type a description for the file, and select Done.

    Alt text dialog box for an embedded file in OneNote for iOS.

Make hyperlinks and text accessible

The following procedures describe how to make the hyperlinks and text in your OneNote for iOS notebooks more accessible.

Add meaningful hyperlink text

Add meaningful text to a hyperlink to let users know what's behind the link.

Avoid using "click here" or similar non-descriptive expressions. The link text should describe the destination page accurately but briefly. 

  1. Select the text to which you want to add the hyperlink.

  2. On the menu bar, swipe left and select  Insert link button in OneNote for iOS.  (Insert Link).

  3. The text you selected is shown in the DISPLAY field. This is the hyperlink text. You can change it if necessary.

  4. Type or paste the hyperlink URL into the ADDRESS field, and select Done.

    Hyperlink dialog in iPhone.

Rename sections

Descriptive and accurately titled sections help users find the section they need.

  1. In the Sections list, select Edit.

  2. Select the section tab you want to rename, and on the menu bar, select  Rename section or section group button in OneNote for iOS  (Rename).

    Rename section button in the menu bar in iPhone.
  3. Type the new name and select Done.

Delete sections

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused sections that contain no information.

  1. In the Sections list, select Edit.

  2. Select the section tab you want to remove, and on the menu bar, select  Delete page, section, or section group button in OneNote for iOS  (Remove).

    Remove section button in the menu bar in iPhone.
  3. In the confirmation dialog box, select Delete.

Rename section groups

Descriptive and accurately titled section groups help users find the correct section group.

  1. In the Sections list, select Edit.

  2. Select the section group you want to rename, and on the menu bar, select  Rename section or section group button in OneNote for iOS  (Rename).

    Rename a section group in OneNote for iOS
  3. Type the new name for the section group, and then select Done.

Delete section groups

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused section groups that contain no information.

  1. In the Sections list, select Edit.

  2. Select the section group you want to remove, and on the menu bar, select  Delete page, section, or section group button in OneNote for iOS  (Remove).

    Delete section group in OneNote for iOS
  3. In the confirmation dialog box, select Delete.

Add a title or rename a page

Descriptive and accurately titled pages help users find the correct page.

  1. In the Pages list, select the page you want to name or rename.

  2. Type the name on the page title line above the time and date.

    Rename page in OneNote for iOS

Delete a page

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused pages that contain no information.

  1. In the Pages list, select Edit.

  2. Select the page you want to remove, and on the menu bar, select  Delete page, section, or section group button in OneNote for iOS  (Remove).

    Delete page in OneNote for iOS

Use accessible text formatting

To make your text formatting more accessible, select a plain sans-serif font, use a larger font size, align your text to the left, and avoid excessive use of block capitals and italics.

Apply text formatting

  1. Select the text you want to format.

  2. On the menu bar, swipe left and select the option you want. You can select, for example, bold or italic font, or underline for emphasis.

    Bold text button on the menu bar in iPhone.

Change the font type and size

  1. In the Sections view, select  Screenshot of the More Options button in OneNote for iOS.  (More Actions) > Settings.

    Settings button in Notebooks on iPhone.
  2. Select Edit and View.

  3. Select a larger default font size and a sans-serif default font.

    The Edit and View menu in OneNote for iOS settings.

Use appropriate text alignment

Align your paragraphs to the left to avoid uneven gaps between words.

  1. Select the text to modify.

  2. On the menu bar, select  Decrease indent button in OneNote for iOS.  (Decrease Indent).

Use bulleted lists

When feasible, break continuous text into bullet points to improve readability and navigation.

  1. Place the cursor where you want to add the list in your notebook, or select the text to be included in the list.

  2. On the menu bar, select  The bullets button in OneNote for iOS.  (Bullets).

  3. If needed, type the list items.

    Tip: Use a period or a comma at the end of each list item to make screen readers pause.

Use ordered lists

Use a numbered list for a sequence, as that is easier to follow than a continuous block of text.

  1. Place the cursor where you want to add the list in your notebook, or select the text to be included in the list.

  2. On the menu bar, select  The numbering button in OneNote for iOS.  Numbering.

  3. If needed, type the list items.

See also

Make your Word documents accessible to people with disabilities

Make your Excel documents accessible to people with disabilities

Make your PowerPoint presentations accessible to people with disabilities

Make your Outlook email accessible to people with disabilities

The following table includes best practices in OneNote for Android for creating notebooks that are accessible to all people.

What to fix

Why fix it

How to fix it

Include alternative text with all pictures and embedded files.

Alternative text that describes pictures and other objects is important for people who can't see the screen. Screen readers read alternate text aloud, so it's the only information that some people will have about pictures and objects. Ensure that the alternative text is meaningful.

Avoid using images as the sole method of conveying text, as lengthy alternative text is cumbersome to navigate with a screen reader.

Add alternative text that describes the image or object for people who can't see it. Keep it brief, but include a description of what's important about the image.

If you have to use an image with short text in it, repeat that text in the body text.

Add alt text to images

You can add alt texts to embedded files in the desktop, Windows 10 app, and online versions of OneNote. For instructions on how to add alt text to embedded files in OneNote for Windows, Mac, Windows 10 app, or Online, see the respective sections in this article.

Add meaningful hyperlink text.

People who use screen readers sometimes scan a list of links. Links should convey clear and accurate information about the destination. For example, instead of linking from the text "Click here," include the full title of the destination page.

Add meaningful hyperlink text

Give sections groups, sections, and pages unique names, and remove empty items.

Notebooks with content named descriptively make it easier for you to find specific information in your notes. This also helps people using screen readers to know what a section, section group or page contains without opening it.

Rename sections

Delete sections

Add a title or rename a page

Delete a page

You can rename and delete section groups in the OneNote desktop and Windows 10 app versions. For instructions on how to rename or delete section groups in OneNote for Windows, Mac, or Windows 10 app, see the respective sections in this article.

Ensure that color is not the only means of conveying information.

People with impaired vision, no vision, or colorblindness might miss the meaning conveyed by particular colors.

Make sure you don't use color alone to convey meaning. Create text that duplicates the meaning of the color or other sensory characteristics.

Use additional means to convey the information, such as a shape or label. For example, consider using a green checkmark to indicate success and a red X to indicate failure, instead of green and red shading.

Use accessible text formatting

Use sufficient contrast for text and background colors.

The text in your notebooks should be readable in the high contrast mode so that everyone, including people with visual disabilities, can see it well.

For example, use bright colors or high-contrast color schemes on opposite ends of the color spectrum. White and black schemes make it easier for people who have low vision to distinguish text and shapes.

You can change the text colors in the desktop, Windows 10 app, and online versions of OneNote. The modified colors will be visible when the notebook is opened in the Android version. For instructions on how to use accessible text colors in OneNote for Windows, Mac, Windows 10 app, or Online, see the respective sections in this article.

Use a larger font size (18pt or larger), sans-serif fonts, and appropriate white space.

People with dyslexia perceive text in a way that can make it difficult to distinguish letters and words. For example, they might perceive a line of text compressing into the line below, or adjacent letters seeming to merge.

Having multiple blank lines or consecutive spaces can make keyboard navigation slow and screen reader usage more cumbersome.

To reduce the reading load, you can, for example:

  • Use familiar sans-serif fonts, such as Arial or Calibri.

  • Avoid the use of all capital letters and excessive use of italics or underlines.

  • Include sufficient white space between lines and paragraphs, but avoid more than two spaces between words and two blank lines between paragraphs.

  • Left-align your paragraphs instead of using justification. This helps to avoid uneven gaps between words, which can create a visual effect of a river of white space flowing through the paragraph.

Use accessible text formatting

Use appropriate text alignment

You can change the font type and size in the desktop, Windows 10 app, and online versions of OneNote. For instructions on how to change the font type and size in OneNote for Windows, Mac, Windows 10 app, or Online, see the respective sections in this article.

Keep information in a single note container.

In OneNote, you can add notes anywhere on a page by clicking and adding content. This creates a new note container.

Having all notes on a page in a single container helps screen reader users read in one place without having to navigate to multiple locations on the page.

Try moving all of the information on a page into a single note container. If a note container becomes too large, you can split it across multiple pages or add descriptive headers. (Screen readers refer to note containers as "content blocks.")

Use a simple table structure.

Screen readers keep track of their location in a table by counting table cells. If a table is nested within another table or if a cell is merged or split, the screen reader loses count and can't provide helpful information about the table after that point. Blank cells in a table could also mislead someone using a screen reader into thinking that there is nothing more in the table.

Screen readers also use header information to identify rows and columns.

All tables created in OneNote for Android are created with a header row by default. To add a table header that has been removed, you must use the Windows Desktop app to add a table header.

To ensure that tables don't contain nested tables inspect them visually in OneNote for Android or use the Accessibility Checker in the desktop, Windows 10 app, or online versions of OneNote.

Make audio or video accessible to visually impaired and hearing impaired users.

Subtitles typically contain a transcription (or translation) of the dialogue.

Closed captions typically also describe audio cues such as music or sound effects that occur off-screen.

Video description means audio-narrated descriptions of a video's key visual elements. These descriptions are inserted into natural pauses in the program's dialogue. Video description makes video more accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Where possible, ensure that audio and video files are accessible before being inserted into OneNote.

Alternatively, insert an additional file into the notebook to provide supporting subtitles, captions or video description.

Add alt text to images

Add alt text to images such as photos, graphics, clip art, and screenshots so that screen reader users can hear a description of the image.

  1. Tap and hold the image in your notebook.

  2. In the context menu, swipe left, and then select Alt Text.

  3. Type a title and description for the image. Keep it short, start with the most important information, and aim to convey the content and functionality of the image. When you're ready, select DONE.

    Tip: Fill in both the Title and Description fields, as different screen readers read this information in different ways.

    Add alt text to images in OneNote for Android

Make hyperlinks and text accessible

The following procedures describe how to make the hyperlinks and text in your OneNote for Android notebooks more accessible.

Add meaningful hyperlink text

Add meaningful text to a hyperlink to let users know what's behind the link.

  1. Select the text to which you want to add the hyperlink.

  2. On the menu bar, swipe left, and then select  Insert hyperlink button in OneNote for Android. (Insert hyperlink).

  3. The text you selected is shown in the Text to display field. This is the hyperlink text. You can change it if necessary.

    Tip: Avoid using "click here" or similar non-descriptive expressions. The link text should describe the destination page accurately but briefly.

  4. Type or paste the hyperlink URL into the Address field.

  5. Select DONE.

    Add hyperlink dialog in OneNote for Android

Rename sections

Descriptive and accurately titled sections help users find the section they need.

  1. In the SECTIONS list, tap and hold the section you want to rename.

  2. In the menu bar, select  Rename section button in OneNote for Android. (Rename section).

  3. Type the new name and select RENAME.

Delete sections

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused sections that contain no information.

  1. In the SECTIONS list, tap and hold the section you want to remove.

  2. In the menu bar, select  Delete button in OneNote for Android. (Delete section).

  3. In the confirmation dialog box, select DELETE.

Add a title or rename a page

Descriptive and accurately titled pages help users find the correct pages.

  1. In the PAGES list, select the page you want to name or rename.

  2. Type the new name for the page on the page title line above the time and date.

    The page title field in OneNote for Android.

Delete a page

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused pages that contain no information.

  1. In the PAGES list, tap and hold the page you want to remove.

  2. In the menu bar, select  Delete button in OneNote for Android.  (Delete page).

  3. In the confirmation dialog box, select DELETE.

Use accessible text formatting

To improve your text formatting, you can, for example, use bold font, align your text to the left, and avoid excessive use of block capitals and italics.

  1. To apply the text formatting, select the text you want to format.

  2. On the menu bar, swipe left and select the option you want. You can, for example, use bold font or underline for emphasis.

    Text formatting buttons on toolbar in OneNote for Android

Use appropriate text alignment

Align your paragraphs to the left to avoid uneven gaps between words.

  1. Select the text you want to modify.

  2. On the menu bar, select Decrease indent button in OneNote for Android.  (Decrease indent).

Use bulleted lists

When feasible, break continuous text into bullet points to improve readability and navigation.

  1. Place the cursor where you want to add the list in your notebook, or select the text to be included in the list.

  2. On the menu bar, select  Bullets button in OneNote for Android.   (Bullets).

  3. If needed, type the list items.

    Tip: Use a period or a comma at the end of each list item to make screen readers pause.

Use ordered lists

Use a numbered list for a sequence, as that is easier to follow than a continuous block of text.

  1. Place the cursor where you want to add the list in your notebook, or select the text to be included in the list.

  2. On the menu bar, select  Numbering button in OneNote for Android. (Numbering).

  3. If needed, type the list items.

See also

Make your Word documents accessible to people with disabilities

Make your Excel documents accessible to people with disabilities

Make your PowerPoint presentations accessible to people with disabilities

Make your Outlook email accessible to people with disabilities

The following table includes best practices in OneNote for Windows 10 for creating notebooks that are accessible to all people.

What to fix

Why fix it

How to fix it

Include alternative text with all pictures and embedded files.

Alternative text that describes pictures and other objects is important for people who can't see the screen. Screen readers read alternate text aloud, so it's the only information that some people will have about pictures and objects. Ensure that the alternative text is meaningful.

Avoid using images as the sole method of conveying text, as lengthy alternative text is cumbersome to navigate with a screen reader.

Add alternative text that describes the image or object for people who can't see it. Keep it brief, but include a description of what's important about the image.

If you have to use an image with short text in it, repeat that text in the body text.

When inserting a file printout, make sure to keep the original file on the page as an alternative source of the information.

Add alt text to images

Add alt text to embedded files

To find missing alternative text, use the Accessibility Checker.

Add meaningful hyperlink text.

People who use screen readers sometimes scan a list of links. Links should convey clear and accurate information about the destination. For example, instead of linking from the text "Click here," include the full title of the destination page.

Add meaningful hyperlink text

Give sections groups, sections, and pages unique names, and remove empty items.

Notebooks with content named descriptively make it easier for you to find specific information in your notes. This also helps people using screen readers to know what a section, section group or page contains without opening it.

Rename sections

Delete sections

Rename section groups

Delete section groups

Add a title or rename a page

Delete a page

Ensure that color is not the only means of conveying information.

People with impaired vision, no vision, or colorblindness might miss the meaning conveyed by particular colors.

Make sure you don't use color alone to convey meaning. Create text that duplicates the meaning of the color or other sensory characteristics.

Use additional means to convey the information, such as a shape or label. For example, consider using a green checkmark to indicate success and a red X to indicate failure, instead of green and red shading.

Use accessible text formatting

Use sufficient contrast for text and background colors.

The text in your notebooks should be readable in the high contrast mode so that everyone, including people with visual disabilities, can see it well.

For example, use bright colors or high-contrast color schemes on opposite ends of the color spectrum. White and black schemes make it easier for people who have low vision to distinguish text and shapes.

Use accessible text color

Use a larger font size (18pt or larger), sans-serif fonts, and appropriate white space.

People with dyslexia perceive text in a way that can make it difficult to distinguish letters and words. For example, they might perceive a line of text compressing into the line below, or adjacent letters seeming to merge.

Having multiple blank lines or consecutive spaces can make keyboard navigation slow and screen reader usage more cumbersome.

To reduce the reading load, you can, for example:

  • Use familiar sans-serif fonts, such as Arial or Calibri.

  • Avoid the use of all capital letters and excessive use of italics or underlines.

  • Include sufficient white space between lines and paragraphs, but avoid more than two spaces between words and two blank lines between paragraphs.

  • Left-align your paragraphs instead of using justification. This helps to avoid uneven gaps between words, which can create a visual effect of a river of white space flowing through the paragraph.

Use accessible text formatting

Use appropriate text alignment

Use built-in headings and styles.

Screen reader software recognizes built-in heading styles as headings, and can announce headings to the listener. Screen reader software also enables people to navigate by heading. To make it easier for screen readers to read your notes, use a logical heading order and the built-in formatting tools in OneNote.

In addition, people with reading disorders such as dyslexia depend on headings to help them structure information, and divide the information into smaller-sized chunks that are easier to process.

To make navigation easier, organize headings in the prescribed logical order. Use Heading 1, Heading 2, and then Heading 3, rather than Heading 3, Heading 1, and then Heading 2.

Use headings to organize the information in your notes into small chunks. Ideally, each heading includes only a few paragraphs.

Apply built-in heading styles

Use bulleted lists

Use ordered lists

Keep information in a single note container.

In OneNote, you can add notes anywhere on a page by clicking and adding content. This creates a new note container.

Having all notes on a page in a single container helps screen reader users read in one place without having to navigate to multiple locations on the page.

Try moving all of the information on a page into a single note container. If a note container becomes too large, you can split it across multiple pages or add descriptive headers. (Screen readers refer to note containers as "content blocks.")

Use a simple table structure.

Screen readers keep track of their location in a table by counting table cells. If a table is nested within another table or if a cell is merged or split, the screen reader loses count and can't provide helpful information about the table after that point. Blank cells in a table could also mislead someone using a screen reader into thinking that there is nothing more in the table.

Screen readers also use header information to identify rows and columns.

All tables created in OneNote for Windows 10 are created with a header row by default. To add a table header that has been removed, you must use the Windows Desktop app to Add a table header.

Make audio or video accessible to visually impaired and hearing impaired users.

Subtitles typically contain a transcription (or translation) of the dialogue.

Closed captions typically also describe audio cues such as music or sound effects that occur off-screen.

Video description means audio-narrated descriptions of a video's key visual elements. These descriptions are inserted into natural pauses in the program's dialogue. Video description makes video more accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Where possible, ensure that audio and video files are accessible before being inserted into OneNote.

Alternatively, insert an additional file into the notebook to provide supporting subtitles, captions or video description.

Add alt text to images

Add alt text to images such as photos, graphics, clip art, and screenshots so that screen reader users can hear a description of the image.

  1. Right-click the image in your notebook, and select Picture > Alt Text.

  2. Type a title and a description in the fields. Keep it short, start with the most important information, and aim to convey the content and functionality of the image. When you're ready, select Done.

    Tip: Fill in both the Title and Description fields, as different screen readers read this information in different ways.

    Alt text dialog for adding alt text in OneNote for Windows 10.

Add alt text to embedded files

Add alt text to embedded files, such as supporting materials, job descriptions, or report templates so that screen reader users can hear a description of the file.

  1. Right-click the file on the page.

  2. Select  Alt text button for embedded files in OneNote for Windows 10.  (Alt Text).

  3. Type a title and a description for the file, and select Done.

    Add alt text to embedded files in OneNote for Windows 10 app

Make hyperlinks and text accessible

The following procedures describe how to make the hyperlinks and text in your OneNote notebooks more accessible.

Add meaningful hyperlink text

Add meaningful text to a hyperlink to let users know what's behind the link.

  1. Select the text to which you want to add the hyperlink.

  2. On the Insert tab, select Link.

  3. The text you selected is shown in the Text to display field. This is the hyperlink text. You can change it if necessary.

    Tip: Avoid using "click here" or similar non-descriptive expressions. The link text should describe the destination page accurately but briefly.

  4. Type or paste the hyperlink URL into the Address field, and select Insert.

    Screenshot of the dialog for adding a hypertext link in OneNote for Windows 10.

Rename sections

Descriptive and accurately titled sections help users find the section they need.

  1. In a notebook, right-click the section tab you want to edit, and select Rename Section.

    Screenshot of the context menu for renaming a section tab in OneNote for Windows 10.

  2. Type the new name, and then press Enter.

Delete sections

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused sections that contain no information.

  1. In a notebook, right-click the section tab you want to remove, and select Delete Section.

    Screenshot of the context menu for deleting a section tab in OneNote for Windows 10.

  2. In the confirmation dialog box, select Yes.

Rename section groups

Descriptive and accurately titled section groups help users find the correct section group.

  1. In the sections list, right-click the section group you want to rename and select Rename Section Group.

    Rename section gourps in OneNote for Windows 10 app
  2. Type the new name, and then press Enter.

Delete section groups

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused section groups that contain no information.

  1. In the sections list, right-click the section group you want to remove, and select Delete Section Group.

    Delete section groups in OneNote for Windows 10 app
  2. In the confirmation dialog box, select Yes.

Add a title or rename a page

Descriptive and accurately titled pages help users find the correct page.

  1. In a notebook, open the page you want to name or rename.

  2. Type the name on the page title line above the time and date.

    Rename page in OneNote for the web

Delete a page

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused pages that contain no information.

  1. In the page list, right-click the page tab you want to remove.

  2. Select Delete Page.

    Remove page in OneNote for Windows 10 app

Use accessible text formatting

To make your text formatting more accessible, select a plain sans-serif font, use a larger font size, align your text to the left, and avoid excessive use of block capitals and italics.

  1. Select the text you want to format.

  2. On the Home tab, you can select, for example, a larger font size and a sans-serif font. You can also use other formatting options, such as bold font for emphasis.

    Text formatting buttons on the Home menu ribbon in OneNote for Windows 10.

Use accessible text color

To ensure that text displays well in high contrast mode, use the Automatic setting for font colors.

  1. Select your text.

  2. On the Home tab, select the down arrow on the Font Color button, and then select Automatic.

    Text color menu in OneNote for Windows 10 app

Use appropriate text alignment

Align your paragraphs to the left to avoid uneven gaps between words.

  1. Select the text you want to modify.

  2. On the Home tab, select  The paragraph formatting button on the Home tab in OneNote for Windows 10.  (Paragraph Formatting).

  3. Select  The align left button in the paragraph format menu in OneNote for Windows 10.  (Align Left).

    Left align paragraphs in OneNote for Windows 10 app

Apply built-in heading styles

Use the built-in heading styles to form an outline of the notebook pages for screen readers. Screen readers don't interpret a line of text with large and bold font as a heading unless the built-in styles are applied.

  1. Select the text for the heading.

  2. On the Home tab, select  The styles button on the Home tab in OneNote for Windows 10.  (Styles), then select a heading style, such as Heading 2.

    Headings list in OneNote for Windows 10 app

Use bulleted lists

When feasible, break continuous text into bullet points to improve readability and navigation.

  1. Place the cursor where you want to add the list in your notebook, or select the text to be included in the list.

  2. On the Home tab, select  Bullets button on the Home tab in OneNote for Windows 10.   (Bullets).

  3. To change the bullet style, select the down arrow on the Bullets button, and then select the style you want.

    Bullet list button selected on the Home menu ribbon in OneNote for Windows 10.

  4. If needed, type the list items.

    Tip: Use a period or a comma at the end of each list item to make screen readers pause.

Use ordered lists

Use a numbered list for a sequence, as that is easier to follow than a continuous block of text.

  1. Place the cursor where you want to add the list in your notebook, or select the text to be included in the list.

  2. On the Home tab, select  Numbering button on the Home tab in OneNote for Windows 10.   (Numbering).

  3. To change the numbering style, select the down arrow on the Numbering button, and select the style you want.

    Numbered list buttons on the Home menu ribbon in OneNote for Windows 10.

  4. If needed, type the list items.

See also

Make your Word documents accessible to people with disabilities

Make your PowerPoint presentations accessible to people with disabilities

The following table includes best practices for creating OneNote Online notebooks that are accessible to people with disabilities.

What to fix

Why fix it

How to fix it

Include alternative text with all pictures and embedded files.

Alternative text that describes pictures and other objects is important for people who can't see the screen. Screen readers read alternate text aloud, so it's the only information that some people will have about pictures and objects. Ensure that the alternative text is meaningful.

Avoid using images as the sole method of conveying text, as lengthy alternative text is cumbersome to navigate with a screen reader.

Add alternative text that describes the image or object for people who can't see it. Keep it brief, but include a description of what's important about the image.

If you have to use an image with short text in it, repeat that text in the body text.

When inserting a file printout, make sure to keep the original file on the page as an alternative source of the information.

Add alt text to images

Add alt text to embedded files

Add meaningful hyperlink text.

People who use screen readers sometimes scan a list of links. Links should convey clear and accurate information about the destination. For example, instead of linking from the text "Click here," include the full title of the destination page.

Add meaningful hyperlink text

Give section groups, sections, and pages unique names, and remove empty items.

Notebooks with content named descriptively make it easier for you to find specific information in your notes. This also helps people using screen readers to know what a section, section group or page contains without opening it.

Rename sections

Delete sections

Add a title or rename a page

Delete a page

You can rename or delete section groups in the OneNote desktop or Windows 10 app version. For the instructions on how to rename or delete section groups in Windows desktop or Windows 10 app, see the respective sections in this topic.

Ensure that color is not the only means of conveying information.

People with impaired vision, no vision, or colorblindness might miss the meaning conveyed by particular colors.

Make sure you don't use color alone to convey meaning. Create text that duplicates the meaning of the color or other sensory characteristics.

Use additional means to convey the information, such as a shape or label. For example, consider using a green checkmark to indicate success and a red X to indicate failure, instead of green and red shading.

Use accessible text formatting

Use sufficient contrast for text and background colors.

The text in your notebooks should be readable in high contrast mode so that everyone, including people with visual disabilities, can see it well.

For example, use bright colors or high-contrast color schemes on opposite ends of the color spectrum. White and black schemes make it easier for people who have low vision to distinguish text and shapes.

Use accessible text color

Use a larger font size (18pt or larger), sans-serif fonts, and appropriate white space.

People with dyslexia perceive text in a way that can make it difficult to distinguish letters and words. For example, they might perceive a line of text compressing into the line below, or adjacent letters seeming to merge.

Having multiple blank lines or consecutive spaces can make keyboard navigation slow and screen reader usage more cumbersome.

To reduce the reading load, you can, for example:

  • Use familiar sans-serif fonts, such as Arial or Calibri.

  • Avoid the use of all capital letters and excessive use of italics or underlines.

  • Include sufficient white space between lines and paragraphs, but avoid more than two spaces between words and two blank lines between paragraphs.

  • Left-align your paragraphs instead of using justification. This helps to avoid uneven gaps between words, which can create a visual effect of a river of white space flowing through the paragraph.

Use accessible text formatting

Use appropriate text alignment

Use built-in headings and styles.

Screen reader software recognizes built-in heading styles as headings, and can announce headings to the listener. Screen reader software also enables people to navigate by heading. To make it easier for screen readers to read your notes, use a logical heading order and the built-in formatting tools in OneNote Online.

In addition, people with reading disorders such as dyslexia depend on headings to help them structure information, and divide the information into smaller-sized chunks that are easier to process.

To make navigation easier, organize headings in the prescribed logical order. Use Heading 1, Heading 2, and then Heading 3, rather than Heading 3, Heading 1, and then Heading 2.

Use headings to organize the information in your notes into small chunks. Ideally, each heading includes only a few paragraphs.

Apply built-in heading styles

Use bulleted lists

Use ordered lists

Keep information in a single note container.

In OneNote, you can add notes anywhere on a page by clicking and adding content. This creates a new note container.

Having all notes on a page in a single container helps screen reader users read in one place without having to navigate to multiple locations on the page.

Try moving all of the information on a page into a single note container. If a note container becomes too large, you can split it across multiple pages or add descriptive headers. (Screen readers refer to note containers as "content blocks.")

Use a simple table structure.

Screen readers keep track of their location in a table by counting table cells. If a table is nested within another table or if a cell is merged or split, the screen reader loses count and can't provide helpful information about the table after that point. Blank cells in a table could also mislead someone using a screen reader into thinking that there is nothing more in the table.

Screen readers also use header information to identify rows and columns.

All tables created in OneNote Online are created with a header row by default. To add a table header that has been removed, you must use the Windows Desktop app to Add a table header.

Make audio or video accessible to visually impaired and hearing impaired users.

Subtitles typically contain a transcription (or translation) of the dialogue.

Closed captions typically also describe audio cues such as music or sound effects that occur off-screen.

Video description means audio-narrated descriptions of a video's key visual elements. These descriptions are inserted into natural pauses in the program's dialogue. Video description makes video more accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Where possible, ensure that audio and video files are accessible before being inserted into OneNote.

Alternatively, insert an additional file into the notebook to provide supporting subtitles, captions or video description.

Add alt text to images

Add alt text to images, such as photos, graphics, clip art, and screenshots so that screen reader users can hear a description of the image.

  1. Right-click the image in your notebook, and select Alt Text.

  2. Type a description in the field. Keep it short, start with the most important information, and aim to convey the content and functionality of the image. When you're ready, select OK.

    Alternative text dialog for OneNote for the web

Add alt text to embedded files

Add alt text to embedded files, such as supporting materials, job descriptions, or report templates so that screen reader users can hear a description of the file.

  1. Right-click the file in your notebook, and select Alt Text.

  2. Type a description for the file, and select OK.

    Add alt text to embedded files in OneNote for the web

Make hyperlinks and text accessible

The following procedures describe how to make the hyperlinks and text in your OneNote Online notebooks more accessible.

Add meaningful hyperlink text

Add meaningful text to a hyperlink to let users know what's behind the link.

  1. Select the text to which you want to add the hyperlink.

  2. On the Insert tab, select Link.

  3. The text you selected is shown in the Display Text field. This is the hyperlink text. You can change it if necessary.

    Tip: Avoid using "click here" or similar non-descriptive expressions. The link text should describe the destination page accurately but briefly.

  4. Type or paste the hyperlink URL in the Address field, and select Insert.

    Hyperlink dialog for OneNote for the web

Rename sections

Descriptive and accurately titled sections help users find the section they need.

  1. In a notebook, right-click the section tab you want to edit, and select Rename Section.

  2. Type the new name.

    Rename section option highlighted in the section context menu in OneNote for Windows 10.

Delete sections

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused sections that contain no information.

  1. In a notebook, right-click the section tab you want to remove, and select Delete Section.

    Delete section option highlighted in the section context menu in OneNote for Windows 10.

  2. In the confirmation dialog box, select Yes.

Add a title or rename a page

Descriptive and accurately titled pages help users find the correct page.

  1. In a notebook, open the page you want to name or rename.

  2. Type the name on the page title line above the time and date.

    Rename page in OneNote for the web

Delete a page

To help screen readers and users find relevant information quickly, remove any unused pages that contain no information.

  1. In a notebook, right-click the page tab you want to remove.

  2. Select Delete Page.

    Delete Page option highlighted in the page context menu in OneNote for Windows 10.

Use accessible text formatting

To improve your text formatting, select a plain sans-serif font, use a larger font size, align your text to the left, and avoid excessive use of block capitals and italics.

  1. Select the text you want to format.

  2. On the Home tab you can select, for example, a larger font size and a sans-serif font. You can also use other formatting options, such as bold font for emphasis.

Use accessible text color

To ensure that text displays well in high contrast mode, use the Automatic setting for font colors.

  1. Select your text.

  2. On the Home tab, select the down arrow on the Font Color button, and select Automatic.

    Font color menu options in OneNote for the web

Use appropriate text alignment

Align your paragraphs to the left to avoid uneven gaps between words.

  1. Select the text you want to modify.

  2. On the Home tab, select Paragraph Alignment > Align Left.

    Paragraph alignment menu options in OneNote for the web.

Apply built-in heading styles

Use the built-in heading styles to form an outline of the notebook pages for screen readers. Screen readers don't interpret a line of text with large and bold font as a heading unless the built-in styles are applied.

  1. Select the text for the heading.

  2. On the Home tab, select a heading style, such as Heading 2.

    Heading styles options in OneNote for the web

Use bulleted lists

When feasible, break the text into bullet points to improve readability and navigation.

  1. Place the cursor where you want to add the list in your notebook, or select the text to be included in the list.

  2. On the Home tab, select  Bullets button in OneNote Web  (Bullets).

  3. To change the bullet style, select the down arrow on the Bullets button, and then select the style you want.

    Bulleted list menu in OneNote for the web

  4. If needed, type the list items.

    Tip: Use a period or a comma at the end of each list item to make screen readers pause.

Use ordered lists

Use a numbered list for a sequence, as that is easier to follow than a continuous block of text.

  1. Place the cursor where you want to add the list in your notebook, or select the text to be included in the list.

  2. On the Home tab, select The Numbered list in OneNote Web.  (Numbering).

  3. To change the numbering style, select the down arrow on the Numbering button, and then select the style you want.

    Numbered list menu options in OneNote for the web

  4. If needed, type the list items.

See also

Rules for the Accessibility Checker

Improve accessibility with the Accessibility Checker

Make your Word documents accessible to people with disabilities

Make your Excel documents accessible to people with disabilities

Make your PowerPoint presentations accessible to people with disabilities

Make your Outlook email accessible to people with disabilities

Technical support for customers with disabilities

Microsoft wants to provide the best possible experience for all our customers. If you have a disability or questions related to accessibility, please contact the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for technical assistance. The Disability Answer Desk support team is trained in using many popular assistive technologies and can offer assistance in English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. Please go to the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk site to find out the contact details for your region.

If you are a government, commercial, or enterprise user, please contact the enterprise Disability Answer Desk.

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