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Summary

This document will show you how to add an image with Alt text to the content area.

Instructions

Alt text is text that appears when you mouse over an image. It is also what a screen reader reads out when interpreting images. Alt text is helpful for people with disabilities relating to eyesight and reading.

Adding Alt Text to an Image

  1. Click a content area in your course menu.

  2. In the content hover over Build Content.

  3. Click Image.

  4. Give the image a name.

  5. Choose an image.

  6. Click the field labeled Alt text.

  7. In the alt text field, enter a description that satisfies the guidelines below.

  8. If the summary of the image runs on too long, you can enter the information into the field labeled long description and reconsider the alt text.

Adding Alt Text to an Embedded Image

  1. Navigate to a rich text input, such as a discussion board or other content item.

  2. Click the Insert/Edit Image icon in the toolbar. If you don't see it, click the Show More button on the right.

  3. In the pop up window, find and upload the image.

  4. Type your alt text into the Title input, following the guidelines below.

  5. Click Insert.

Alt Text Guidelines

When embedding an image, add alt text to the image to help students who can't see the screen and use a screen reader. It is best to describe what is in the image, including any text or numbers within. Keep the description as short as you can - typically only a few words are used, although when describing a more complex image a sentence or two may be used. Do not use the phrases "Image of...", "Graphic of..." or any similar phrases, as it is apparent to the user that it is an image.

For example, imagine embedding a chart (in an image format) showing the percentage of Americans who find it important that America remain a global leader in space exploration. You might include the following alt text:

27% of Americans believe it is not essential for the U.S. to remain a global leader in space exploration, while 72% believe it is important

In conjunction with the surrounding context, this alt text would convey the entire meaning (and only the meaning) of the chart.

However, if you were to embed an image of a space shuttle, the phrase "space shuttle" would be the perfect alt text for that image.

There are many more good practices regarding alt text, which can be found in the WebAIM Alternative Text article.

Additional Resources

Have an issue or article suggestion?

Email us! lts@boisestate.edu



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