Overview

This lesson will provide you with some guidance in terms of selecting fonts and using color in your documents, PowerPoints, websites, emails, etc.

Core Concepts

Font Type & Size

Try to use a simple font in a good size - no smaller than 11pt for printed materials, or 20pt font for projected presentations. However, use your best judgment about font size as font size is relative and depends in part on the particular font you are using.

There is some disagreement on whether or not sans-serif (fonts without the "feet" or extensions) are easier to read or not. Many claim sans-serif fonts like Arial and Calibri are better for online reading, while serif fonts like Times New Roman are better for print reading. In general, a lot of accessibility guidance will recommend san serif fonts.

Since most content is read both in online and printed form, do not worry too much about the font - the default font in the program you're using may be just fine (aside from some themes in PowerPoint). The important thing is that when you are using real text (and not images of text) the user has the ability to modify the font to meet their needs. For instance, Comic Sans, while not always considered the most professional font choice, is a great font for people with dyslexia. We would not recommend converting your materials to Comic Sans, but allowing a student the ability to adjust the font on their own for readability can help address that preference. In general, just avoid fancy or cursive fonts as these can be difficult to read.

Avoid using too many combinations of fonts and typing long phrases or sentences in ALL CAPS.

Color

Do not use color alone to convey meaning. If someone is colorblind, or blind, the emphasis or distinction you're trying to create by using color will be lost.

Additionally, when you use colors, make sure they are high contrast. If you want to check if the contrast is good enough, you can visit WebAIM's Color Contrast Checker website (opens new tab) if you have colors in a browser you want to check. We also recommend the Paciello Group Colour Contrast Analyser which is a standalone software for both the Windows and Mac environment.

Color Contrast Examples
Bad Examples	Good Examples
Red on black is bad	Yellow on black is good
Blue on orange is bad	Black on orange is ok
Red on green is bad	White on green is good
Grey on purple is bad	Aqua on purple is ok

Video Supplements

Making Accessible Font Choices (3 mins)

This short video provides a nice discussion about selecting appropriate fonts.

Making Accessible Font Choices

Word Color Contrast (1 min 30 sec)

A quick video on how not to use color in MS Word.

Word Color Contrast

AccessibleUooza - Color & Contrast (3 mins)

A nice overview from Univ of Minnesota on color contrast and using color correctly.

Color & Contrast

Additional Resources

WebAIM - Fonts - This is a really great resource and overview of the different types of fonts and what to look for when selecting a good font to use.
WebAIM's Color Contrast Checker website

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