How to Install and Use Grackle in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

Problem/Question

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

Overview

Grackle is an accessibility checker that works with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. While automatic checkers cannot find 100% of accessibility issues, Grackle can help you make significant improvements. Note that Grackle can only be used with native Google formats (Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides).

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

Solution

Install the Grackle Add-ons

• Install Grackle Docs (external link)
• Install Grackle Slides (external link)
• Install Grackle Sheets (external link)

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 Sign-in 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:

• Grackle for Docs
• Grackle for Slides
• Grackle for Sheets

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.
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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."
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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.

For additional information, check these categories in the Knowledge Base:

Google Chrome Adding Extensions

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