Padlet Accessibility FAQs
Updated 1 month ago
by
Carla Sese
Padlet's Accessibility Commitment
Padlet is committed to providing an accessible experience for everyone. We are broadly compliant with level A for our Board product and are working towards AA by the end of 2024.
Padlet’s Accessibility Statement is available on our legal page. If you have questions or concerns about Padlet’s accessibility, please contact us.
Keyboard shortcuts and navigation
How can I navigate a board with keyboard shorcuts?
Keyboard shortcuts allow you to efficiently navigate and perform tasks on a Padlet board directly from your keyboard. You will find all the shortcuts supported by Padlet here.
How do I search for a post within a board?
1. Open the board
2. Press Cmd/Ctrl + F to open the search bar and type in keywords to find a specific content. To refine your search, you can also filter by status, post color, or author. For more details, visit the Padlet article on search and filtering.
2. Press Cmd/Ctrl + F to open the search bar and type in keywords to find a specific content. To refine your search, you can also filter by status, post color, or author. For more details, visit the Padlet article on search and filtering.
How do I search for padlets on the dashboard?
1. On the homepage, navigate to the search bar using your keyboard by pressing the Tab key until it is highlighted, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+F (Windows) or Cmd+F (macOS).
2. In the search bar, type in relevant keywords from the board’s title or description to find what you're looking for.
3. Continue pressing the Tab key to move through the search results. When the desired padlet is focused, press Enter to select.
2. In the search bar, type in relevant keywords from the board’s title or description to find what you're looking for.
3. Continue pressing the Tab key to move through the search results. When the desired padlet is focused, press Enter to select.
How to turn off Padlet's keyboard shortcuts?
1. Click your profile photo in the top right corner.
2. Click Settings > Accessibility
3. Toggle Keyboard Shortcuts. By default, this button is turned on (indicated by a purple color or slider to the right).
2. Click Settings > Accessibility
3. Toggle Keyboard Shortcuts. By default, this button is turned on (indicated by a purple color or slider to the right).
How do I change the board settings using a keyboard?
1. Navigate to your padlet using the Tab key to find the content area.
2. Press Tab repeatedly until you reach the Settings page represented by a gear icon (⚙️).
If you’re using a screen reader, you can quickly find the Settings page using these shortcuts.
JAWS:
Press B (JAWS Quick Key) to cycle through buttons on the page.
Keep pressing B until you hear Open padlet settings button.
NVDA:
Use the NVDA + F7 shortcut to open the Elements List.
From the list, navigate to the Buttons section and select the Open padlet settings button.
Mac VoiceOver:
Go to Form Controls > Open padlet settings button
3. Press Enter to open the Settings menu. (The menu may expand or open in a new panel)
4. Use the arrow keys (Left/Right) to navigate through the different setting categories (e.g., "Heading," "Appearance," "Layout").
5. Most changes made are saved automatically. For settings that open a separate panel (i.e., wallpaper, icons), look for a Save button.
Refer to this page for a detailed list of keyboard shortcuts for all functionalities.
2. Press Tab repeatedly until you reach the Settings page represented by a gear icon (⚙️).
If you’re using a screen reader, you can quickly find the Settings page using these shortcuts.
JAWS:
Press B (JAWS Quick Key) to cycle through buttons on the page.
Keep pressing B until you hear Open padlet settings button.
NVDA:
Use the NVDA + F7 shortcut to open the Elements List.
From the list, navigate to the Buttons section and select the Open padlet settings button.
Mac VoiceOver:
Go to Form Controls > Open padlet settings button
3. Press Enter to open the Settings menu. (The menu may expand or open in a new panel)
4. Use the arrow keys (Left/Right) to navigate through the different setting categories (e.g., "Heading," "Appearance," "Layout").
5. Most changes made are saved automatically. For settings that open a separate panel (i.e., wallpaper, icons), look for a Save button.
Refer to this page for a detailed list of keyboard shortcuts for all functionalities.
How do I skip to the first post on a board?
1. Tab to Skip to Content (first focusable element).
2. Press Enter, then press Tab to jump to the first post.
2. Press Enter, then press Tab to jump to the first post.
How do I skip to the main content on the dashboard?
1. From the Padlet homepage, press Tab to Skip to Content.
2. Press Enter then Tab to select a padlet to open.
2. Press Enter then Tab to select a padlet to open.
How do I navigate by sections on a board?
Screen readers typically announce the heading levels (h1, h2, h3) as you navigate Padlet. Here's how to find specific sections and posts using screen reader keyboard shortcuts:
JAWS (Windows):
1. Use the H key to move to the next heading.
2. Use Shift + H to move to the previous heading.
NVDA (Windows):
1. Use the H key to move to the next heading.
2. Use Ctrl + Shift + H to move to the previous heading.
VoiceOver (Mac):
1. Use the VO + Arrow Down key combination to move to the next heading.
2. Use VO + Arrow Up to move to the previous heading.
Instructions may vary slightly depending on your screen reader and operating system version. For the most accurate guidance, please refer to the specific documentation or support resources for your screen reader and operating system.
JAWS (Windows):
1. Use the H key to move to the next heading.
2. Use Shift + H to move to the previous heading.
NVDA (Windows):
1. Use the H key to move to the next heading.
2. Use Ctrl + Shift + H to move to the previous heading.
VoiceOver (Mac):
1. Use the VO + Arrow Down key combination to move to the next heading.
2. Use VO + Arrow Up to move to the previous heading.
Instructions may vary slightly depending on your screen reader and operating system version. For the most accurate guidance, please refer to the specific documentation or support resources for your screen reader and operating system.
Screen Readers and Assistive Technology
Which screen reader can I use for Padlet?
Screen readers allow users with visual impairments to interact with computers and mobile devices. Here's a quick guide on using a screen reader to navigate Padlet.
Mac Users: Apple's built-in screen reader, VoiceOver, is a great option.
Windows Users: Popular screen reader options for Windows include Job Access With Speech (JAWS) and NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA).
Mobile Devices: For iPhones and iPads, use VoiceOver. If you're on Android, TalkBack is the built-in screen reader.
Mac Users: Apple's built-in screen reader, VoiceOver, is a great option.
Windows Users: Popular screen reader options for Windows include Job Access With Speech (JAWS) and NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA).
Mobile Devices: For iPhones and iPads, use VoiceOver. If you're on Android, TalkBack is the built-in screen reader.
My assistive technology isn’t working with Padlet. How can I report this issue?
If you're experiencing a problem using assistive technology settings, use this form to let us know. Include details about your device and the specific problem you encountered and our team will get back to you as soon as we can.
How do I enable VoiceOver on my Mac?
VoiceOver is a built-in screen reader program on Apple devices, like Macs, iPhones, and iPads.
On a computer:
1. Open System Settings. (This might be called "System Preferences" on older macOS versions).
2. Click on Accessibility in the sidebar.
3. In the list on the left, choose VoiceOver.
4. To turn VoiceOver on, click the checkbox next to Enable VoiceOver. You might be prompted to confirm this change.
On iPhone or iPad:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on Accessibility. This will open a list of accessibility features on your device.
3. Tap on VoiceOver. This will display the settings related to VoiceOver.
4. To turn VoiceOver on, toggle the switch next to VoiceOver to the ON position.
On a computer:
1. Open System Settings. (This might be called "System Preferences" on older macOS versions).
2. Click on Accessibility in the sidebar.
3. In the list on the left, choose VoiceOver.
4. To turn VoiceOver on, click the checkbox next to Enable VoiceOver. You might be prompted to confirm this change.
On iPhone or iPad:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on Accessibility. This will open a list of accessibility features on your device.
3. Tap on VoiceOver. This will display the settings related to VoiceOver.
4. To turn VoiceOver on, toggle the switch next to VoiceOver to the ON position.
How do I navigate a board using a screen reader?
You can quickly locate and access different parts of the padlet using screen reader commands for Headings. Here is an overview of the heading hierarchy you can expect:
Title: The main title of your Padlet is marked as an H1 heading.
Sections: If sections are enabled on the padlet, each section title is designated as an H2 heading.
Post Titles: Individual posts can be navigated by headings.
To look for a specific post, you can use the search-by-keyword feature by accessing your screen reader's Form Field section ((JAWS + F3, NVDA + F7 or the Rotor (VoiceOver on macOS or iOS)) and selecting 'search post by keyword edit' button. From there, you can quickly jump to a specific post.
Inside a post
Attachments: If a post contains an attachment, you can click on it to access the expanded view, where you can view PDFs or play audio and video files.
Reactions: If reactions are enabled, you can click on the reaction buttons to interact with the post.
Comments: If comments aren’t immediately visible, you can click on the comments icon button to expand the post and view all comments.
Additional Actions: If there are actions not immediately available on the post, you can click on the three-dot menu to access more options.
Title: The main title of your Padlet is marked as an H1 heading.
Sections: If sections are enabled on the padlet, each section title is designated as an H2 heading.
Post Titles: Individual posts can be navigated by headings.
To look for a specific post, you can use the search-by-keyword feature by accessing your screen reader's Form Field section ((JAWS + F3, NVDA + F7 or the Rotor (VoiceOver on macOS or iOS)) and selecting 'search post by keyword edit' button. From there, you can quickly jump to a specific post.
Inside a post
Attachments: If a post contains an attachment, you can click on it to access the expanded view, where you can view PDFs or play audio and video files.
Reactions: If reactions are enabled, you can click on the reaction buttons to interact with the post.
Comments: If comments aren’t immediately visible, you can click on the comments icon button to expand the post and view all comments.
Additional Actions: If there are actions not immediately available on the post, you can click on the three-dot menu to access more options.
How can I navigate the dashboard with a screen reader?
The Made by Me section on the dashboard is marked as a Heading Level 1 (H1). Since this is the only heading, your screen reader should automatically announce it when you load the page.
Navigating by landmarks
The dashboard is structured with landmarks to help you navigate efficiently. The banner landmark includes the main navigation options: "Gallery," "Join," "Learn," and "Make."
Using the search bar
The search bar allows you to find specific boards and sandboxes.
1. To access it, move your screen reader focus to 'search padlets by keywords,' or press Ctrl+ F on Windows or Cmd+ F on macOS.
2. Type in your keywords in the search bar and Tab to the board or sandbox you wish to open. Press Enter to open the board.
Bypassing repetitive content
Use the 'Skip to content' link to bypass repetitive navigation options and go directly to the padlet and options list.
The commands may vary slightly depending on the screen reader you’re using. Be sure to check the specific user guide for your screen reader for any variations.
Navigating by landmarks
The dashboard is structured with landmarks to help you navigate efficiently. The banner landmark includes the main navigation options: "Gallery," "Join," "Learn," and "Make."
Using the search bar
The search bar allows you to find specific boards and sandboxes.
1. To access it, move your screen reader focus to 'search padlets by keywords,' or press Ctrl+ F on Windows or Cmd+ F on macOS.
2. Type in your keywords in the search bar and Tab to the board or sandbox you wish to open. Press Enter to open the board.
Bypassing repetitive content
Use the 'Skip to content' link to bypass repetitive navigation options and go directly to the padlet and options list.
The commands may vary slightly depending on the screen reader you’re using. Be sure to check the specific user guide for your screen reader for any variations.
How do I add alt text for an image on the board?
Alt text, or alternative text, is a written description of an image. It's crucial for users who are blind or have low vision because it allows screen readers to convey the image's content.
1. Upload the image attachment
2. Click the ALT button in the lower lower-left corner of any image
3. Add a brief description and click Publish.
For full instructions on adding attachments, visit this page.
1. Upload the image attachment
2. Click the ALT button in the lower lower-left corner of any image
3. Add a brief description and click Publish.
For full instructions on adding attachments, visit this page.
How do I quickly make a new board?
1. Open a board:
JAWS (Windows): Press Ctrl + D to open the address bar in your browser. Then type padlet.new and press Enter.
NVDA (Windows): Press Ctrl + L to focus on the address bar. Type padlet.new and press Enter.
VoiceOver (Mac): Press Cmd + L to move to the address bar. Type padlet.new and press Enter.
2. Customize your board
Once you've loaded the board, you'll be presented with a new board interface.
Keyboard users: Use the Tab key to navigate through the various fields and options.
Touch device users: Swipe until your screen reader announces the Settings menu.
3. Start posting:
Use the Tab key to navigate to the Add a post button.
Type your text or add attachments. You can also use shortcuts to quickly attach files.
JAWS (Windows): Press Ctrl + D to open the address bar in your browser. Then type padlet.new and press Enter.
NVDA (Windows): Press Ctrl + L to focus on the address bar. Type padlet.new and press Enter.
VoiceOver (Mac): Press Cmd + L to move to the address bar. Type padlet.new and press Enter.
2. Customize your board
Once you've loaded the board, you'll be presented with a new board interface.
Keyboard users: Use the Tab key to navigate through the various fields and options.
Touch device users: Swipe until your screen reader announces the Settings menu.
3. Start posting:
Use the Tab key to navigate to the Add a post button.
Type your text or add attachments. You can also use shortcuts to quickly attach files.
How do you turn speech recognition on for your device?
Here's how to enable speech recognition for your device:
Mac
1. Open System Preferences.
2. Click on Keyboard.
3. Go to the Dictation tab.
4. Toggle Enable Dictation to "On."
(Optional): Review additional dictation settings like keyboard shortcuts or custom vocabulary.
Windows
1. Press the Windows logo key + H or select the mic button🎙️ on the touch keyboard.
iOS
1. Open Settings.
2. Go to General > Keyboard.
3. Toggle Enable Dictation to "On."
Android
1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to General Management > Keyboard list and default.
3. Turn on the desired voice input option (e.g., Google voice typing).
Chromebook
1. Click the clock or press Alt + Shift + S in the bottom right corner to access Settings.
2. Navigate to Accessibility within Settings.
3. Find Keyboard and text input and toggle on Enable dictation (speak to type).
Mac
1. Open System Preferences.
2. Click on Keyboard.
3. Go to the Dictation tab.
4. Toggle Enable Dictation to "On."
(Optional): Review additional dictation settings like keyboard shortcuts or custom vocabulary.
Windows
1. Press the Windows logo key + H or select the mic button🎙️ on the touch keyboard.
iOS
1. Open Settings.
2. Go to General > Keyboard.
3. Toggle Enable Dictation to "On."
Android
1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to General Management > Keyboard list and default.
3. Turn on the desired voice input option (e.g., Google voice typing).
Chromebook
1. Click the clock or press Alt + Shift + S in the bottom right corner to access Settings.
2. Navigate to Accessibility within Settings.
3. Find Keyboard and text input and toggle on Enable dictation (speak to type).
How do I use speech recognition to create text on a padlet?
1. Open your padlet and navigate to where you want to add text (title, description, post content, comment, etc.).
2. Locate the microphone icon🎙️on the keyboard (mobile app) or within the text field itself (web interface).
3. Click or tap the microphone icon 🎙️ to activate voice typing.
4. Speak clearly and naturally, and your voice will be transcribed into text.
Remember punctuation! Say "comma," "period," "question mark," etc., for clear communication.
5. Click or tap the microphone icon again to stop dictation when finished.
2. Locate the microphone icon🎙️on the keyboard (mobile app) or within the text field itself (web interface).
3. Click or tap the microphone icon 🎙️ to activate voice typing.
4. Speak clearly and naturally, and your voice will be transcribed into text.
Remember punctuation! Say "comma," "period," "question mark," etc., for clear communication.
5. Click or tap the microphone icon again to stop dictation when finished.
Does Padlet have a text-to-speech feature available for its users?
Yes, Padlet offers a text-to-speech feature. The "Talk for Me" feature in Padlet allows users to create audio posts by converting text into speech, which can then be shared directly on a Padlet board. This feature is useful for a variety of scenarios, such as delivering speeches, creating interactive language exercises, or making content accessible to users who benefit from auditory input. Read more about this feature here.
Captions and Media
Does Padlet support captioning for audio and video file?
Yes, automatic captions are generated for uploaded videos and audio files. Padlet supports over 30 languages, and the captions are displayed at the bottom of the video or audio player. Learn more about auto-caption here.
At the moment, users cannot edit the auto-generated captions.
At the moment, users cannot edit the auto-generated captions.
How do I enable Auto Caption on video and audio posts?
1. Click the uploaded video or audio post.
2. Click Captions and select a language. The captions will then be displayed at the bottom of the audio or video player.
2. Click Captions and select a language. The captions will then be displayed at the bottom of the audio or video player.
How do I adjust video speed and quality?
1. Click the published post with the video.
2. Click on the Settings icon in the bottom right corner.
3. Select the option to adjust speed and quality, and enable or disable captions.
2. Click on the Settings icon in the bottom right corner.
3. Select the option to adjust speed and quality, and enable or disable captions.
How do I add captions to attachments on a board?
1. Upload the attachment to the padlet.
2. Look for the Add a caption field.
3. Add captions to provide context and click Publish.
To edit the caption:
1. Click the vertical three-dot ellipsis button (...) on the post and click Edit post.
2. Type in the new caption and click Update.
2. Look for the Add a caption field.
3. Add captions to provide context and click Publish.
To edit the caption:
1. Click the vertical three-dot ellipsis button (...) on the post and click Edit post.
2. Type in the new caption and click Update.
Can I upload transcripts to my audio and video files and download them later?
Padlet doesn't support uploading or downloading transcripts for posts at the moment. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and are actively working on features to improve transcript support. Stay tuned for updates!
How do I turn off autoplay on GIFs?
Disabling animations on a board can improve accessibility for users with photosensitivity or visual impairments.
To disable GIF autoplay on Padlet:
Individual GIF: Click the pause button at the bottom right corner of each GIF.
All GIFs: Adjust your device's accessibility settings:
Windows: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Animation Effects > toggle Show animations to Off.
Mac: Open System Preferences > Accessibility > Display and check Reduce motion.
iOS: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and toggle Reduce Motion to On.
Android: Open Settings > Accessibility and select Remove animations or Reduce motion.
Padlet respects your device’s system preference for reduced motion, so if you've set this preference on your device, it will automatically apply to GIFs on the board. There is no user or board setting to override this preference at this time.
To disable GIF autoplay on Padlet:
Individual GIF: Click the pause button at the bottom right corner of each GIF.
All GIFs: Adjust your device's accessibility settings:
Windows: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Animation Effects > toggle Show animations to Off.
Mac: Open System Preferences > Accessibility > Display and check Reduce motion.
iOS: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and toggle Reduce Motion to On.
Android: Open Settings > Accessibility and select Remove animations or Reduce motion.
Padlet respects your device’s system preference for reduced motion, so if you've set this preference on your device, it will automatically apply to GIFs on the board. There is no user or board setting to override this preference at this time.
Text Size and Contrast
How can I make Padlet appear larger on my screen?
If using a computer, use the built-in zooming feature on your browser (example: Safari, Chrome or Firefox) to make the website appear larger on your screen. This will zoom in on the entire page, not just text.
1. Hold down Ctrl (PC) or Command (Mac) buttons on your keyboard.
2. Press “+” to zoom in or “-” to zoom out.
1. Hold down Ctrl (PC) or Command (Mac) buttons on your keyboard.
2. Press “+” to zoom in or “-” to zoom out.
How do I adjust the text contrast on Padlet?
Padlet text offers good contrast by default. But you can fine-tune your device's display for an even better reading experience.
Computer users:
Mac
1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Display.
2. Toggle on 'Invert Colors' for a dark mode
Windows
1. From Settings, head to Accessibility.
2. Select your contrast preference under 'Contrast Themes'. You'll see a dropdown menu with various themes like Aquatic, Desert, Dusk or Night Sky.
You can also toggle contrast themes ON or OFF using a keyboard shortcut: Press Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen simultaneously.
Mobile device users:
iPhone/iPads
On your home screen, tap Settings > General > Accessibility.
Under Increase Contrast, choose Reduce Transparency or Darken Colors
Android
Open Settings > Accessibility > Vision.
Toggle the switch next to High Contrast Fonts to turn it on or off.
Look for options like Display Contrast or Invert Colors in your device's accessibility settings (available on both iOS and Android).
You can also explore extensions like High Contrast for Chrome or Dark Reader for Safari. These extensions can modify the color scheme to make the text stand out more.
Computer users:
Mac
1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Display.
2. Toggle on 'Invert Colors' for a dark mode
Windows
1. From Settings, head to Accessibility.
2. Select your contrast preference under 'Contrast Themes'. You'll see a dropdown menu with various themes like Aquatic, Desert, Dusk or Night Sky.
You can also toggle contrast themes ON or OFF using a keyboard shortcut: Press Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen simultaneously.
Mobile device users:
iPhone/iPads
On your home screen, tap Settings > General > Accessibility.
Under Increase Contrast, choose Reduce Transparency or Darken Colors
Android
Open Settings > Accessibility > Vision.
Toggle the switch next to High Contrast Fonts to turn it on or off.
Look for options like Display Contrast or Invert Colors in your device's accessibility settings (available on both iOS and Android).
You can also explore extensions like High Contrast for Chrome or Dark Reader for Safari. These extensions can modify the color scheme to make the text stand out more.
Language Options and Support
Is Padlet available in my language?
Padlet supports a wide range of languages. We'll automatically try to set your interface to your preferred language, based on your browser settings. View the full list here. If it's not quite right, you can easily switch languages from the Settings panel.
Aside from the app, Padlet’s Help Center is also available in multiple languages. To change the language of the Help Center, look for the language selection button at the top right corner of the page.
Aside from the app, Padlet’s Help Center is also available in multiple languages. To change the language of the Help Center, look for the language selection button at the top right corner of the page.
What is Talk-for-me and how does it work?
Padlet's Talk-for-me feature is a text-to-speech functionality that allows users to input text on a post and have it generated as an audio file. Available in over 30 languages, this feature enhances accessibility by enabling users to listen to written content. Learn more
Sharing and exporting content
How do I share my board?
Sharing a link is generally the most accessible option, as it works well with screen readers and various devices. You can generate a link from the Share button in the top right corner.
For advanced sharing options, refer to our detailed guide here.
For advanced sharing options, refer to our detailed guide here.
How can I print a copy of my padlet?
1. Open a padlet you want to save.
2. Click the Share button
3. Under Export, choose between PDF, image, CSV, spreadsheet or print it directly. For more details, visit the Padlet Help page on exporting and printing.Under Export, choose between PDF, image, CSV, spreadsheet or print it directly.
For more details, visit the Padlet Help page on exporting and printing.
2. Click the Share button
3. Under Export, choose between PDF, image, CSV, spreadsheet or print it directly. For more details, visit the Padlet Help page on exporting and printing.Under Export, choose between PDF, image, CSV, spreadsheet or print it directly.
For more details, visit the Padlet Help page on exporting and printing.
Can I customize the layout of the exported file?
Exports are programmed to best display content in the exported format for readability. However, it’s not customizable at this time.
Compliance
Is Padlet WCAG AA compliant?
Padlet is committed to meeting WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards for accessibility. Padlet is broadly compliant across a range of AA criteria, though there are still some items that are pending remediation. Visit our accessibility page for the latest status!
Does Padlet have a VPAT?
Yes, Padlet has a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). The VPAT outlines Padlet's conformance with accessibility standards including WCAG, Revised Section 508 Standards and EN 301 549 Accessibility requirements. You can find it here.
