Alternate text in Microsoft Word

Alternative text descriptions of images (Alt text) helps users understand the picture’s significance (or lack of.)

This content is typically only accessed with assistive technology. In some cases, if you hover your mouse over an image, it will provide the alternate text as a pop up.

Provide descriptions around the image in the source document for optimal results but remember that not everyone might be able to access the alternate text.

Video overview of how to apply alternate text to images in Microsoft Word

Image context

The context is everything for images in your document. If the image adds important information to the learning experience, it should be described. If an image does not add any value, you may consider marking it as decorative. Lets review some samples:

Sample 1 image

This image was found on the website which is trying to attract visitors. It needs detailed alternate text.

A forest with giant sequoias, the largest trees in the world, is a feast for the senses. The giant sequoias’ red/orange bark is distinct among the grey and brown bark of other trees. And if you stand beneath one of these giants, you can gaze all the way up its tall trunk and through its high branches to see sky above. The treetop is often hidden above the highest branches. If you are quiet and listen, you may hear a breeze rustling the foliage of smaller trees – the sugar pines, white and red firs, or incense-cedar. Or perhaps you’ll hear a woodpecker calling and tapping against a tree, seeking insects. If you have time to take a walk, you may see a giant sequoia along the trail – try to press your fingers against its spongy, thick bark.

Sample 1 image description

A forest with giant sequoias, the largest trees in the world, is a feast for the senses. The giant sequoias’ red/orange bark is distinct among the grey and brown bark of other trees. And if you stand beneath one of these giants, you can gaze all the way up its tall trunk and through its high branches to see sky above. The treetop is often hidden above the highest branches. If you are quiet and listen, you may hear a breeze rustling the foliage of smaller trees – the sugar pines, white and red firs, or incense-cedar. Or perhaps you’ll hear a woodpecker calling and tapping against a tree, seeking insects. If you have time to take a walk, you may see a giant sequoia along the trail – try to press your fingers against its spongy, thick bark.

Sample 2 Icon

This image is an icon and in my opinion does not offer any additional value to the content provided, so I would mark it as decorative.

""

Giant sequoias grow at middle elevations along the west slope of the Sierra Nevada. While not the world’s oldest trees, they are known to reach ages of up to 3,400 years. Tree ring studies of giant sequoias provide a long record of climate and fire history, helping park managers and scientists better understand relationships of climate, fire, and the giant sequoia life cycle.

Sample 3 Pie Chart

This pie chart provides important information to the user. Because it is an image containing text, we need to provide all of the data in the description of the image.

Non-Wilderness. 340 Units. 14+ million Acres

Eligible. 21 Units. 17+ mill Acres

Proposed. 14 Units. 3+ million acres

Recommended. 17 Units. 5+ million acres

Designated. 50 Units. 44+ million acres

Sample 3 Alternate text

The National Park Service Wilderness by category is as follows:

  • Non-Wilderness. 340 Units. 14+ million Acres
  • Eligible. 21 Units. 17+ mill Acres
  • Proposed. 14 Units. 3+ million acres
  • Recommended. 17 Units. 5+ million acres
  • Designated. 50 Units. 44+ million acres

Additional things to consider when writing alternate text

  • Context is everything
  • Decorative images should be marked as decorative
  • Pie charts and other graphs will need all data described
  • Focus on the emphasis of the image
  • Avoid using “image of” in description
  • Be sure to check that the image does not just have the file name in the alternate text area. For example: jordison.png might be the default value in the alt text area for an image – be sure to spot check all images to ensure that the file name did not get inserted.
  • Keep alternate text less than 100 characters. If there is more text needed – be sure to include it next to the image on the page.

Text overview of how to apply alternate text in Microsoft Word

  1. Right click the image
  2. Select Edit Alt text
  3. Enter a description or mark as decorative
Right click the image

Select Edit Alt text

Enter a description or mark as decorative

Need more help with Microsoft Word Accessibility?

Subscribe to The Accessibility Guy posts

* indicates required

How to apply alternate text to images in Canvas

Images in Canvas need accurate descriptions for students who rely on screen readers. Images that convey a lot of text should be avoided whenever possible, and descriptions should be presented to provide enough information within context of the topic. Keep in mind the context of the picture, which may change the scope of the needed description. 

Image Context

Image context will change based on the audience and what you want them to learn about the image. The same image could have different descriptions depending on its intent. If you are creating the course or the content, remember that you are the artist and you get to pick the alternate text.

For more guidance on using alt tags, please see the Diagram Center’s Poet Training Tool

Diagrams and Charts

Alternate text for diagrams and charts can be accomplished but its possible these items might be better represented in a list or a table structure. Complex graphs and charts can include an over load of information.

Diagram and Chart Example

Convert diagrams and charts to tables

Adapted from DiagramCenter

Bonus Video on accessible bar charts

Guidelines:

  • Bar graphs should be converted into accessible tables.
  • Briefly describe the graph and give a summary if one is immediately apparent.
  • Provide the title and axis labels.
  • It is not necessary to describe the visual attributes of the bars, e.g. dark blue, light blue, unless there is an explicit need such as an exam question referring to the colors.

Description:

Figure 1 is a bar graph that measures percentage of vaccination coverage in five states over one year, from Q3 2006 to Q2 2007. In each state, the coverage increases over time. The data are summarized in the following table. All data are approximate.

First dose rotavirus vaccination coverage among children aged 3 months, by quarter – immunization information system (IIS) sentinel sites, United States, 2006-2007.

 ArizonaDistrict of ColumbiaMichiganMinnesotaMontanaOregon
Q3 200635%10%5%0%15%20%
Q4 200645%30%33%25%27%27%
Q1 200750%45%42%35%37%45%
Q2 200765%48%50%41%40%44%

Things to consider with alternate text and images in Canvas

  • Avoid “picture of” or “image of”
  • Avoid having the file name as the alt text – this will sometimes not show up in the accessibility check
  • Imagine explaining the picture over the phone to someone and use that as the alternate text.

Video Overview of how to apply alternate text to an image in Canvas

Instructional Guide – How to apply alternate text to images in Canvas

Step 1: Ensure you are in edit mode

Step 1: Ensure you are in edit mode


Step 2: Select the image you would like to add alternate text too and select Image options

Step 2: Select the image you would like to add alternate text too and select Image options

Step 3: Add appropriate alternate text or mark as decorative

Step 3: Add appropriate alternate text or mark as decorative
Canvas LMS
How do I make my Canvas page accessible?

Subscribe to The Accessibility Guy posts

* indicates required