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Design Accessible Editions (Alt Text, Contrast, Structure)

Accessible Editions can be read by subscribers who use screen readers, magnification, or high-contrast modes — and they render more reliably when images are blocked. Many enterprise and public-sector audiences require accessibility (for example WCAG AA), so build it into every Edition rather than fixing it at the end.

Before you begin​

  • Have your brand's color palette and its contrast values handy (foreground vs. background).
  • Know the Edition's single, clear purpose so headings and reading order follow it.
  • Editing controls for images, headings, and links live in the Edition editor's toolbar and image/element settings (confirm the exact steps in your account).

Steps​

  1. Add alt text to every image. In the image settings, describe what the image conveys in a short phrase. For purely decorative images, leave the alt text empty (or mark it decorative) so screen readers skip it. Never bury important words only inside an image — put them in real text too.
  2. Use real heading levels for structure. Apply the editor's heading styles (H1, then H2, H3) in order instead of just making text big and bold. This gives screen-reader users a navigable outline.
  3. Write meaningful link text. Use descriptive links like "Read the June report" rather than "click here" or a raw URL, so links make sense out of context.
  4. Check color contrast. Ensure text meets at least 4.5:1 against its background (3:1 for large text). Don't rely on color alone to signal meaning — add labels, icons, or underlines.
  5. Keep a logical reading order and generous layout. Order content top-to-bottom the way it should be read, use readable font sizes, and don't cram text into images or tightly styled tables.
  6. Add a plain-text alternative and preview. Include a plain-text version of the Broadcast and preview with images turned off to confirm the message still reads well.

Result​

Your Edition presents a clear heading outline, every meaningful image has alt text, links are self-describing, and text passes contrast checks — so subscribers using assistive technology receive the same message as everyone else, even before you send the Broadcast.

Canonical terms: Author, Edition, Folder (Project Folder), Broadcast. See the Glossary.