Creating accessible charts ensures that your data is clear and understandable for all readers—including those with visual, cognitive, or color perception difficulties. By combining colors with text, patterns, and descriptive elements, you make your charts both informative and inclusive.

Add a Chart to Your Accessible Design

1. Open your design in the Venngage Editor.

2. Click “Charts” in the left sidebar to add a chart or table to your canvas.

   

3. Select the chart type you want to use.

Use Text Labels Alongside Legends

Text labels and legends help make data easier to identify at a glance.

1. Click your chart to open the Edit Chart menu in the top toolbar.

   

2. Select Edit Chart → open the Setup tab.

   

3. Toggle Legend to display it on your chart.

   

✨ This ensures all chart elements are clearly labeled for readers, including those using assistive tools.

Use Sufficient Color Contrast

Good color contrast improves visibility and meets WCAG accessibility standards.

1. Click your chart → select Edit Chart → open the Setup tab.

2. Adjust colors for chart bars, grid lines, axes, labels, and legend text.

   

3. Use the Contrast Ratio tool in the color picker to confirm readability.

   

4. Modify colors via the picker or enter a HEX code—your contrast score will update automatically.

   

Add White Space Between Columns

Proper spacing helps separate data visually and prevents clutter.

1. Select your chart and resize it using the arrow keys or drag handles.

   

2. Ensure each bar, line, and label is distinct and easy to read.

Use Patterns or Icons to Differentiate Data

Patterns and icons make your data clearer—especially for users who can’t distinguish between certain colors.

To add patterns:

1. Double-click the chart or select Edit Chart → open the Setup tab.

2. Under the Chart Style section, toggle “Show patterns” to display textures over bars, lines, or slices.

   

💡 Tip: Patterns look best when exporting as PNG or PNG HD. For PDFs, use Chrome or Firefox for the most accurate rendering.

To add icons as data labels:

1. Select an icon from the left sidebar.

   

2. Place it over or above a chart column to visually represent the data category.

3. Add alt text if the icons convey meaningful information beyond decoration.

   

Write Meaningful Alt Text for Charts

Alt text should describe the data, structure, and key insights of your chart.
Decorative elements like icons don’t need to be included unless they add new information.

Example:

“Media Preferences by Age Group” column chart showing three age groups (kids, teens, adults) and their preferred media. Kids prefer films (28), teens prefer video games (30), and adults prefer books (22). Icons represent each media type but are decorative and not essential to the data.

💡 For more guidance, check out our guide on Writing Helpful Alt Text.

✅ Final Tip: Accessible chart design goes beyond color—it’s about clarity. Combine patterns, clear labels, spacing, and descriptive alt text to ensure your charts communicate effectively to every viewer.