Alternative (Alt) Text: How-to Guide

This article explains what alt text is and why it's important for accessibility. It also provides resources and tips for using alt text it in Canvas, Microsoft Word, and Google Docs and Slides.

Table of Contents

1 What is Alt Text?
2 How to Write Alt Text
- 2.1 Decorative Images
- 2.2 Content-related Images
3 How to add Alt Text in Canvas, Word, and Google Docs
- 3.1 Canvas
- 3.2 Microsoft Word
- 3.3 Google Docs and Slides

What is Alt Text?

Alt text (alternative text) describes the appearance or function of an image on a page. Alt text is read aloud by screen readers (devices used by visually impaired users), and it provides a description in place of an image if a page fails to load. Including alt text for images within a course site and documents is important—not only to meet eCampus standards for accessibility, but to create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment.

Alt text should be:

Accurate to the image and its use
Informative
Concise

How to Write Alt Text

When embedding an image in your course, consider the intent—is it purely decorative, or does the image convey meaning that the students need to understand?

If you aren't sure, refer to this Alt Text Decision Tree.

Decorative Images

When using an image that is for decorative purposes in your course, you should mark the image as "Decorative" in Canvas. (See instructional article below.)

Content-related Images

When including an image that is necessary for students to understand the material, think about the following:

If a student is visually impaired, how would you convey the information to them?
If the page failed to load the image, how could you convey the same meaning with just words?

Then, add a brief and clear description of the image.

Refer to WebAIM for best practices in writing alt text.
For images in assessments, see: NWEA Image Description Guidelines for Assessments

How to add Alt Text in Canvas, Word, and Google Docs