This guide will show you how to format the elements of a chart in Google Docs, Slides, or Sheets to make it accessible.

Step 1: Open the Chart Editor

In Docs or Slides

In Docs and Slides, you edit the chart in Sheets

Click on the chart in Docs or Slides to select it.
In the upper right hand corner you will see a box that says 'Linked chart' and then has three vertical dots. Click on the three vertical dots.
This will open a menu. Select 'Open source'.
This will open a Sheets file where you can edit the chart.
Double-click on the chart up open the chart editor.
Once you are done making edits, return to the original file and click 'Update' to apply those changes to the chart in your document.

In Sheets

In Sheets, double-click on the chart to open the chart editor.

Step 2: Format the Chart

Add Axis Labels

Double-click the chart you want to change.
In the right upper-hand corner of the chart editor, click 'Customize'
Click 'Chart & axis title'
In the first box select which axis title (horizontal or vertical) you want to add or edit.
In the Title text box, enter a title

Add a Legend

Google products will typically automatically add a legend to charts. If it does not, or if you want to edit the legend, you can follow the steps below.

Double-click the chart you want to change.
In the right upper-hand corner of the chart editor, click 'Customize'
Click 'Legend'
You will be able to edit various aspects of the Legend.

Add a Chart Title

Double-click the chart you want to change.
In the right upper-hand corner of the chart editor, click 'Customize'
Click 'Chart & axis title'
In the first box select 'Chart title'
In the Title text box, enter a title

Add Alt Text

Alt-text should describe the type of chart and what it demonstrates. For complex charts, a long descriptionLinks to an external site. might also be needed.

In Docs & Slides

Right-click on the chart.
A menu will appear. Select 'Alt-text.'
Add alt-text in the description box.

In Sheets

Select the Chart
Click the three vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner of the chart.
Select 'Alt-text.'
Add alt-text in the description box.

Other Accessibility Considerations

Consider changing the colors of the elements in the chart so they have a high color contrast. Online color contrast checkers, such as WebAIM's contrast checker,Links to an external site. can help you determine whether there is sufficient contrast.
When elements of the chart are touching (such as bars or pieces of a pie chart), a line between the elements in a different color helps the reader visually distinguish between them.

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