How To: Add ALT (Alternative) Text
Alternative text, or ALT text, helps people who are blind or have low vision understand what images are all about. A screen reader, such as Voice Over or Jaws, will not read images out loud, so it is necessary to use alt text on objects such as pictures, clip art, charts, tables, shapes, SmartArt, embedded objects, and audio or video objects. If there’s text within your image, include that text in the ALT text description.
How to Add Alt Text to an Image:
1. Right-click the object and select Edit Alt Text.
2. Select the object. Select Format > Alt Text. The Alt Text pane opens.
3. Type a detailed description of the image to someone who cannot see the image, and describe why the image is important to your message.
4. Since assistive technology doesn’t read words within images, if there’s text within your image, include that text in the alt text description.
Instructional Video on how to create alternative text for digital accessibility:
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Additional Information:
Core Topics of Digital Accessibility
For more information, contact Debbie Dramstad, Web Accessibility and Application Specialist.
Email: debra.dramstad@vcsu.edu
Office: 701-845-7344