GrackleDocs is an add-on within Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. You can use it to check the accessibility of your content and find options for fixing any flagged issues.
In this article:
Installing GrackleDocs
You only need to install GrackleDocs the first time you use it, and you will need to install in Docs, Sheets, and Slides individually (i.e., Installing GrackleDocs in Google Docs does not automatically apply it to Sheets and Slides). Once installed in each app, follow the instructions for Launching GrackleDocs.
- Open a Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides file
- From the main menu, select Extensions
- Hover over Add-ons, and select Get add-ons
- In the Google Workspace Marketplace window, select Grackle Docs, Grackle Sheets, or Grackle Slides
- Search for it, if needed. The app should appear in the Approved for you section.
- Select Install
- In the Get ready to install window, select Continue
- Choose your University Google Workspace account and follow the prompts to allow the installation
- On the confirmation screen, select Done
Launching GrackleDocs
- Open a Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides file
- From the main menu, select Extensions
- Select Grackle Docs, Grackle Sheets, or Grackle Slides
- Select Launch
- This will run the automatic accessibility checker on your file
Understanding Errors
Error marks will flag content for accessibility issues.
- Green check = Passed
- Green check with exclamation = Passed with warning
- Red X = Failed
Select the sections that are flagged by GrackleDocs to address accessibility issues. Once you've addressed flagged issues, select Re-Check to ensure any fixes implemented meet accessibility standards.
Note: GrackleDocs is an automatic accessibility checker, which means that it can't find all accessibility errors. Additional manual testing may be needed.
Do Not Use Artifact Marking
Under Images, an error can show that suggests you Artifact All images and drawings or select Mark as Artifact within the Tag Image or Graphics menu.
Images and drawings do not need to be marked as artifacts. Artifact markings are only used in PDFs to designate decorative images in the tag order, and while Grackle Docs presents you with the option to Export to PDF, we do not recommend exporting your Google Docs, Slides, or Sheets to PDF format.
By exporting content from Google into PDF format, you are responsible for ensuring it is accessible. The University is exploring options for PDF accessibility remediation tools but does not provide one at this time.