How to use Templafy for Screen Reader Users

This article provides practical guidance and accessibility best practices for using Templafy Add-ins with screen readers in Microsoft Office applications — such as PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook. It is intended for both end-users and admins supporting accessibility testing, onboarding, or documentation efforts.

Navigation in PowerPoint and Outlook

Templafy Add-ins are fully accessible via keyboard navigation and screen readers. To get started:

• Press Alt to access the Office ribbon. This allows you to move between tabs and find the Templafy tools.

• Use F6 or Shift + F6 to switch between different areas in PowerPoint, such as the slide area, notes pane, and ribbon.

• If you get stuck within a section, pressing Alt again will return focus to the ribbon.

• Within the ribbon, use the Tab key and arrow keys to navigate between tabs, groups, and commands.

• To access the Templafy Content Library, go to the Home tab and locate the Templafy group.

• You can also find Templafy Productivity Tools, Check, and Colors in the dedicated Templafy tab.

Filling Out Templafy Forms

When working with forms in Templafy, screen reader users can complete fields and make selections efficiently:

• Use the Update from company data button to auto-populate required fields using your organization’s information.

• For dropdown menus (combo boxes), navigate to the desired option and press Enter to select it.

• Date fields can be completed by typing the date in the YYYY-MM-DD format or using the date picker popup. Note that screen reader support for the date picker grid may vary.

Navigating Productivity Tools and Check

To open the Productivity Tools, go to the Templafy tab in the ribbon and press Alt.

Exploring Productivity Tools

• The panel is organized into 12 horizontal sections.
• Use Ctrl + Up Arrow or Ctrl + Down Arrow to move between tool sections.
• Press Tab to cycle through tools within a section.
• If a tool is unavailable, your screen reader will announce it.
• Press Enter or Space to activate a selected tool.

Using the Clean-up Tool

Found in the Share section of the Productivity Tools, the Clean-up tool uses a two-level tree structure:

• Use Arrow Up/Down to move between items.
• Use Arrow Right to expand categories and Arrow Left to collapse or return to the parent item.
• Press Enter or Space to select or deselect an item.
• Use Tab to exit the tree and move to other elements.

Configuring Productivity Settings

Each Productivity Tool includes a top menu with Settings, organized in a multi-level tree structure:

• Use the arrow keys to navigate between categories and subcategories.
• Once inside a category, press Tab to move between fields.
• Press Enter or Space to activate buttons or checkboxes.
• Use Arrow Up/Down to navigate dropdown options.
• Press Esc to exit a field and return to the tree.

Your screen reader will announce the structure of each setting, including open/closed states and editable elements.

Using the Check Panel

The Check panel identifies issues such as formatting or branding inconsistencies. It is structured as a tree view of Warnings and Styling Tools.

• Use Arrow Up/Down to navigate between warnings or categories.
• Expand or collapse categories with Arrow Right/Left.
• Press Enter to edit an item or resolve a warning.
• For options with multiple choices, press Enter on the Use this button for your preferred option.
• Press Esc to exit edit mode.

Navigating the Colors Panel

The Colors panel displays all theme colors used for fonts, outlines, and fills. It has three main sections:

• Use Tab to move between sections (Font, Outline, Fill).
• Use Arrow Up/Down to browse color options.
• Press Shift + Tab to move backward.
• Press Enter or Space to select a color.

Your screen reader will read out each color’s name and description.

Known Issues

Templafy Add-ins are continuously optimized for screen reader accessibility, but some limitations may occur:

• PowerPoint navigation: Occasionally, navigation may become stuck. Press Alt to return focus to the ribbon. This is a known Microsoft Edge-related issue.
• JAWS and date fields: The calendar popup may not clearly announce days. Use manual input with the YYYY-MM-DD format for best results.
• JAWS and Check panel: Inconsistent announcements of tree levels may occur during arrow navigation.
• JAWS and task panes: Switching panes using F6 may not always trigger focus announcements.

We’re committed to improving accessibility across Templafy and welcome your feedback. Please reach out to us at accessibility@templafy.com.