Google: Grackle Docs, Sheets, and Slides Add-ons

Environment

Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

Issue

How do I use Grackle in my U-M Google account?

Resolution

Grackle is an accessibility checker that works with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. 

Automatic checkers cannot find 100% of accessibility issues, but Grackle can help you make significant improvements. Please note that Grackle only can be used with native Google formats (Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides).

Security

The use of Grackle in U-M Google does not change the types of data permitted for use in U-M Google. 

Install the Grackle Add-ons

For each format, do the following:

  1. Open a new or existing document
  2. Choose Extensions > Add-ons > Get add-ons
  3. Select the Grackle option
  4. Click on the Install button
  5. When a popup window appears, choose Continue
  6. Select your U-M Google account
  7. In the Signin popup, choose Continue
  8. In the Permissions window, choose Allow
  9. When Grackle finishes installing, it will give you a popup window letting you know how to access the version of Grackle for the Google app you are using.

Learn to Use Grackle

Find more details about using:

Running Grackle

For each format, do the following:

  1. Go to Extensions > Grackle (format) (or use the alternative instructions provided in step 9. above)
  2. From the submenu, choose Launch
  3. Grackle will immediately begin to check your document based on multiple types of elements (e.g., Presentation, Slides, Tables, Elements, and Contents for Grackle Slides)
  4. If any errors are found, a number will appear to the right of the element header, e.g.:Contents header with the number 4, indicating 4 errors
  5. For specific criteria that have errors, a red "Warning" icon will appear on top of a checkmark, e.g.:
    Checkmark with a red Warning icon next to the criterion "Fine print should be avoided"
  6. Click on the checkmark for more information and/or tools to fix the issue. Sometimes this will be straightforward. Criteria fixes that are not straightforward are documented in Grackle Accessibility: Limitations and Workarounds.
  7. When you have fixed the issues, click on the "Re-Check" button at the top of the Grackle window to verify fixes.
  8. When you are finished, click the "X" at the upper right of the Grackle window.

Additional Information 

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.

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ITS-Digital Accessibility
This Service provide assistance or collaboration with making information technology (websites, documents, media) accessible to work towards meeting the requirements of the EIT Accessibility Standard Practice Guide on campus.
ITS-Grackle
This form is to request assistance with Grackle, a set of accessibility checker add-ons designed for use with your U-M Google account. Grackle can help you create accessible documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.