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SmartArt Graphics: Export as Figure or List?

Janne Brönner
  • Updated

By default, when exporting to an accessible PDF, SmartArt graphics are included in the logical document structure as a figure. They receive a Figure structure element.

However, since SmartArt graphics are based on a list structure, in certain cases it may be more accessible to output them as a list rather than as a figure in the document structure.

Displaying the List Structure in PowerPoint

To view the list structure of a SmartArt graphic in PowerPoint:

  1. Select the SmartArt graphic.
  2. Click the small arrow on the left side of the SmartArt graphic. This opens the Text Pane showing the list structure.
Screenshot: Selected SmartArt graphic. On the left side of the selection frame, an arrow is highlighted. Next to the arrow, a window with the list structure of the SmartArt content is open.

When Should a SmartArt Graphic Be Exported as a List?

When exporting to an accessible PDF, you can choose whether the SmartArt graphic is output as a figure or as a list. Use the following criteria:

Figure

  • The pure list structure does not fully convey the content and meaning of the SmartArt graphic.
  • The visual representation is necessary to understand the content.

→ In this case, the SmartArt graphic should be exported as a figure.

Be sure to add alt text that describes the structure and content. For details, see the article Add Alt Text or Mark Object as Decorative.

List

  • The list structure fully represents the content and meaning of the SmartArt graphic. (The SmartArt graphic in the previous section Displaying the List Structure in PowerPoint is a good example.)
  • The visual representation is not required to understand the content.

→ In this case, you can export the SmartArt graphic as a list. Assistive technologies will then output the list structure, not the figure.

Advantages of exporting as a list:

  • The structure is accurately represented and is often more accessible for users of assistive technologies, especially screen readers, than a long alt text.
  • You save time because no complex alt text is needed.

How to Export SmartArt Graphics as a List

  1. Select the entire SmartArt graphic by clicking its outer frame.
  2. Open the axesSlide tab. Select the Role Mapping button to open the axesSlide - Role mappings and reading order task pane.
  3. Assign the role List to the SmartArt graphic. (You can find detailed instructions in the article Button "Role mapping".)

Done! The SmartArt graphic will now be output as a list in the logical document structure of the accessible PDF.