SAMHSA's Section 508 Resources

Microsoft Word FAQs

Below is a collection frequently asked questions and answers for common 508 compliance issues.

CREATING AN ACCESSIBLE WORD FILE

• How do I create an accessible Word file?
• Download Adobe's "MS Word to PDF" Quick Reference Card

GENERAL

• How do I update the properties for my document?
• What are keywords?
• What styles am I allowed to use in my document?
• How do I apply HEADINGS in my document?
• Can I use any List Bullet I want in my document?
• Can I use Roman Numerals in my documents?
• How do I create Footnotes?
• Can I save my word document as an HTML file?
• How do I create a Group Object?
• What is the Minimum Font Size?

DIGITAL SIGNATURES

• View HHS policy on digital signatures

CHARTS AND GRAPHS

• How do I make a Chart or Graph 508 compliant?
• When and how do I add a long description to a graph or chart?

IMAGES

• How do I add descriptive text to my images?
• How do I group multiple images together?
• How do I set 508 compliant layout properties for images in MS Word?
• Can I paste an image into a word document?
• When and how do I add a long description to an image?

TABLES

• Why are Tables Rows and Columns Necessary?
• How do I format table headers in MS Word?
• Can I merge cells in Tables?
• Can I use the table feature to structure a form in Word?

FORM ELEMENTS

• How do I format a Check Box when in my MS Word document
• How do I format Form Elements such as Drop Menus and Check Boxes when they are part of a database?
• Can I use the table feature to structure a form in Word?

HOW TO CONVERT WORD TO PDF?

• Once you have reviewed the FAQs above, please read the information provided by HHS on preparing Word documents for convertion to PDF.
• Download Adobe's "MS Word to PDF" Quick Reference Card

Last Update: 04/24/2009