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Alternative Formats FAQs

What alternative formats does Ally generate?

Ally provides alternative formats for these content types:

  • PDF files (custom encoded fonts are not supported)

  • Microsoft® Word files

  • Microsoft® Powerpoint® files

  • OpenOffice/LibreOffice files

  • Uploaded HTML files

  • Content created in the LMS course editor (WYSIWYG)

    Note

    Alternative formats for WYSIWYG content is currently only available for Blackboard Learn Ultra, Blackboard Learn Original, Instructure Canvas, D2L Brightspace, and Schoology.

These alternative formats can be generated:

  • OCR’d version (for scanned documents)

  • Tagged PDF (currently for Word, Powerpoint and OpenOffice/LibreOffice files)

  • Immersive Reader (LMS only)

  • Mobile-friendly HTML

  • Audio

  • ePub

  • Electronic Braille

  • BeeLine Reader

  • Translated Version

    • Translated Version is disabled by default. Administrators can submit a support case to have it enabled.

What does the instructor need to do to generate alternative formats for a content item?

Nothing. Ally automatically picks up on any existing or new materials, runs it through the accessibility checklist, and makes the alternative formats available to both the student and the instructor.

Is there a file size limit?

Ally doesn’t enforce a file size limit. There may be cases where the algorithm fails to generate alternative formats for certain large files.

  • Keep the original content to fewer than 100 pages to generate an OCR format for scanned documents or any alternative format where the source is an untagged PDF.

  • Limit content to 200,000 characters for the audio format. This character limit typically corresponds to at least 30 pages or several hours of audio.

  • Limit content to 60,000 characters for the translated format.

  • Limit to 50MB fixed files uploaded through the Instructor Feedback panel.

How does Ally handle password-protected content?

Ally detects password-protected content and gives the content a 0% accessibility score. Ally then provides guidance to help remove the password through the instructor feedback. Ally doesn't generate any alternative formats for password-protected content, as we can’t get access to the actual content.

How does Ally handle LMS content that requires authentication?

Ally only includes LMS content that requires authentication for Canvas, Blackboard, and D2L Brightspace. Ally doesn't include LMS content that requires authentication in alternative formats for Moodle, Websites, or WCM, as we can’t get access to the actual content.

Important

D2L Brightspace content URLs need to point to the course content area.

Can I disable alternative formats?

Yes. You can turn off alternative formats for individual content items, if you want. You can enable it again later. Learn more in Managing Alternative Formats.