Operation Manual

Creating Accessible Reports
Improving report accessibility
C
Crystal Reports User’s Guide 545
Contrasting colors
Users with limited vision may be unable to distinguish between colors. To test
the color contrast in your report, print or view a black and white copy. You
should be able to distinguish between values or fields displayed in different
colors (in a pie chart, for example).
If you cannot distinguish between colors on the report, try different colors or
use gray shading. If this does not resolve the issue, you can change other
characteristics.
For text, use the Format Editor to change the font, size, or style. You can add
borders, underlining, or background shading to differentiate text objects from
each other.
For charts, use a combination of shading and patterns. You can automatically
convert a color chart to a black and white one using the Chart Expert, or you
can select values individually and choose your own patterns.
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To convert a chart into black and white
1. Select the chart and choose Chart Expert from the Format menu.
2. In the Chart Expert, click the Options tab.
3. In the “Chart color” area, select Black and white, then click OK.
The chart colors convert to a variety of high-contrast pattern and color fills.
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To change the fill for a chart value
1. Select the chart, then click the shaded area you want to change.
2. On the Chart menu, point to Chart Options, and then click Selected Item.
3. In the Formatting dialog box, on the Fill tab, choose a color and click Pattern.
4. In the Choose A Pattern dialog box, click a pattern, then click OK.
Note: You can also select a texture, gradient, or picture as a fill for the chart
value. See the Chart Help for more information.
Using color to convey information
Do not use color as the only identifying characteristic for critical information in
a report.
For example, a text object may instruct users to “click the green button” to
open a subreport. Users with limited vision cannot tell which button is green.
The button should be recognizable by another defining characteristic besides
its color. For example, you can change the button graphic to a shape that is
not used elsewhere on the report, and instruct users to “click the green arrow
button”. This solution provides color information for people who can
distinguish colors, and extra information for people who cannot.