Office Settings & Configuration

Fix PowerPoint Designer Converting Text to Pictures

Huda Qurayshi Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need a way to prevent or fix PowerPoint Designer from converting editable text into images, which causes severe accessibility issues.

How to Fix PowerPoint Designer Converting Text to Pictures

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using PowerPoint Designer to format presentation slides while trying to maintain accessibility for screen readers and Braille devices.
Observed behavior: PowerPoint Designer automatically converts text, bullets, and diagrams into images. This triggers alternative-text warnings in the Accessibility Checker and renders the slide content completely unreadable by Braille devices and screen readers.

Before you start

Before attempting the VBA macro solution, ensure you have saved a backup copy of your presentation. You will also need to enable the Developer tab in your PowerPoint ribbon to use the VBA method.

Solution 1Recommended

Undo Designer Formatting to Preserve Editable Text

The simplest and most accessible workaround is to reverse the Designer's automated formatting, keeping your standard text editable.

Because automated design layouts frequently convert standard text into flattened SmartArt or graphical elements, the best way to maintain 100% accessibility for Braille devices is to avoid applying these specific Designer suggestions.

Undo the automatic formatting

Immediately after PowerPoint Designer applies a layout that turns your text into a picture, press Ctrl + Z on your keyboard to undo the change.

Use standard slide layouts

Instead of relying on the Designer pane, go to the Home tab, click Layout, and choose a standard PowerPoint layout. Manually format your text and insert separate images where needed to ensure the text remains fully readable.

Undo Designer Formatting to Preserve Editable Text

Accessibility Maintained: Keeping your content as standard text boxes guarantees it will be read correctly by all screen readers and Braille devices without triggering accessibility warnings.

Solution 2

Use a VBA Macro to Add Alternative Text to SmartArt

If you prefer using the Designer's SmartArt layouts, use this VBA macro to automatically copy the text from each node into its alternative text property.

Solution 3

Submit Feedback to Microsoft

Report this specific accessibility flaw directly to the PowerPoint product team to encourage a permanent software update.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Create Accessible Presentations with WPS Office

If Microsoft PowerPoint's automated design tools are causing persistent accessibility and formatting issues, WPS Office offers a stable, lightweight, and completely free alternative. WPS Presentation ensures your text remains perfectly editable, accessible, and fully compatible with all screen readers.

1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite from the official website.
2. Open your presentation: Launch WPS Presentation and open your existing .pptx file.
3. Format safely: Use the built-in manual design and layout tools to format your slides while ensuring your text remains fully readable for Braille devices.

Fully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt and .pptx) formatsKeeps text elements completely editable without forcing automated image conversionsFree, lightweight, and easy-to-use alternative to Microsoft OfficeClean interface makes it simple to run standard accessibility checks

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does PowerPoint Designer turn text into pictures?

PowerPoint Designer attempts to create visually appealing layouts by automatically converting bulleted lists and text into SmartArt or customized graphical elements. Unfortunately, this process flattens the text into image nodes that screen readers and Braille devices cannot natively read without manual alternative text.

How can I check my presentation for accessibility issues?

In PowerPoint, navigate to the Review tab on the ribbon and click on 'Check Accessibility'. This tool will scan your slides and flag any images, SmartArt, or Designer-generated graphics that are missing alternative text.

Does undoing the Designer layout remove all formatting?

Yes, pressing Ctrl + Z immediately after applying a Designer layout will revert the slide exactly to the state it was in before the suggestion was applied, preserving your original text formatting and layout.

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