Canva is a cloud-based graphic design platform that allows users to easily create visual content without professional design experience. Although Canva is not currently a centrally supported UMB software, it is widely used across the UMB community to create presentations, flyers, graphics, and other materials.
Those who use this tool are encouraged to take advantage of Canva’s built‑in accessibility features, but must also remain mindful of its limitations.
Canva Accessibility Checker Limitations
Canva’s accessibility checker is a helpful design aid but does not evaluate full WCAG 2.1 AA compliance. It does not verify reading order, document structure, or whether alternative text (alt text) and semantic tagging are preserved in exported files. When alt text is applied to a Canva design, that information can only be viewed within Canva by other users.
It also might approve color contrast combinations that do not fully meet accessibility standards in real-world use. To check the contrast of colors, view the Color Contrast Checker webpage and use an external tool such as the WebAim Contrast Checker or the Vispero Color Contrast Analyzer.
For any document intended for public distribution, Canva designs must be reviewed and, if necessary, remediated in tools such as Adobe Acrobat Pro or recreated in platforms like Microsoft Word or PowerPoint that support accessible structure.
Font size should be appropriate for the intended viewing distance and device. Designers should prioritize readability over fitting more content.