Getting started with Grackle for Google Workspace accessibility
Grackle is a Google Workspace add-on that can be used to check and improve the accessibility of Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Sheets. Grackle is available for all PSU Google users.
How do I install Grackle?
To use Grackle, you must first download and install the extension for Docs, Slides, and Sheets. Grackle is available for use with your PSU Google account.
In the Get ready to install dialog box, you will be informed that Grackle Docs, Sheets, and Slides need your permission to start installing. After reviewing Grackle’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, select Continue to proceed with the installation process.
In a new window, you will be asked to sign in to Grackle Docs, Sheets, or Slides using your PSU Google account or to confirm your account if you are already signed in. Select Continue when prompted to continue the installation process.
You will be asked to specify what the add-on can access. For the add-on to function as intended, you will need to Select All.*
In the dialog box indicating that the add-on has been installed, you will be directed to Extensions in Docs, Sheets, or Slides to use Grackle. Select Done to exit the installation process.
*Please note that Grackle will be able to See, edit, create, and delete all Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides in your Drive. For additional details, select the See access details link beside each checkbox.
How do I use Grackle?
Similar to other accessibility checkers, Grackle Workspace is an automated tool that will not catch all accessibility barriers and may suggest recommendations that are not applicable. Employ accessibility best practices first, and use Grackle as a secondary check
In Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides, expand the Extensions drop-down menu, open the Gracklesubmenu, and select Launch.
Launching a Grackle add-on will automatically open a panel on the right-hand side of your screen. This panel will allow you to run an Accessibility Check or review Structure for Docs, Sheets, or Slides.
Under Accessibility Check, you can work through each section, selecting those that need remediation and working through the prompts.
For additional support using Grackle Docs, Sheets, and Slides, review the following:
Grackle is best used to check and improve the accessibility of your Google files, especially those shared publicly or with members of the PSU community. Grackle builds on the features within Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, and adds an in-tool accessibility checker to validate for many common accessibility issues.
Please note that some Grackle-recommended remediations are focused on preparing your Google Workspace files for conversion to Portable Document Format (PDF). PSU strongly recommends against exporting to PDF, as the resulting file would require additional validation and remediation in a professional PDF editing software like Adobe Acrobat Pro or Foxit PDF Editor+ in order to be accessible.
This article was last updated Sep 8, 2026 @ 12:30 pm.
