Adding and formatting document text in Word 2010

To ensure that the text used in a document is accessible to all members of the audience you should ensure that a Sans Serif font is used (e.g. Arial, Tahoma, Verdana), with a minimum text size of 12-14 (as recommended by the Dyslexia AssociationOpens in new window) and that there is a colour contrast between the background of a page and the text.

Changing the text font

  1. Select the text by highlighting it.
  2. Click on the Home tab.
  3. Select a Sans Serif font from the font drop-down list (e.g. Arial, Tahoma, Verdana).

Changing the text size

  1. Select the text by highlighting it.
  2. Click on the Home tab.
  3. Use the drop-down list to select Size 12 or above.

Changing the text colour

If the background of the page is light then you should use a dark text colour. If the background of the page is dark then you should use a light text colour. To change the colour of the text:

  1. Select the text by highlighting it
  2. Click on the Home tab.
  3. Use the drop-down list next to the A with a line of colour underneath.
  4. For more options click on More colours.
  5. Here you can then choose a colour from the Standard tab or create a custom colour on the Custom tab.


To use an NTU colour type in the Red Green and Blue values.

  1. NTU Blue: Red=0, Green=77, Blue=117.
  2. NTU Red: Red=237, Green=0, Blue=70.
  3. Click OK.