Module 3, Lesson 3: Review reading order (Mac) Mac icon

If you use a PC, click this link to go to the PowerPoint 2016 for Windows module.

What is reading order?

Reading order is the order in which screen-reading software like JAWS will voice the content on your slide.

Why should we review reading order?

If you use a Standard Slide Layout, you're probably safe in assuming the reading order of your content will follow a logical progression.

However, if you decide to use a blank slide, or if you delete or rearrange placeholders on a Standard Slide Layout, JAWS may read your content in a jumbled up way. Imagine how confusing this might be for a student who is depending on JAWS to transmit the information you worked so hard to create.

Play it safe and check the reading order!

How do we review reading order?

  1. In the Home Tab, locate the "Arrange" button.
    Arrange button

  2. Click the Arrange button, then click "Selection Pane". Notice the Selection Pane appears to the right.
    Selection pane

  3. In the Selection Pane you will see all the content items listed for the slide. Notice the order in which they appear in the pane. NOTE: Reading order starts from the bottom of the list (read first), and ends with the top of the list (read last).
    Read first read last

  4. If they are out of order, drag and drop the items to reorganize content. Remember that whatever you want JAWS to read aloud first should be at the bottom of the list, with each subsequent item moving up the list like a ladder. The last item you want JAWS to read on your slide should be at the top of the list.

    This video demonstrates reviewing reading order on a slide in PowerPoint 2016 for Windows. The procedure is virtually the same for a Mac:

Next: Module 3, Lesson 4: Images (Mac)

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