What is an Alternative text
Alternative text is commonly referred to as "Alt Text," "alt attributes," "alt descriptions," or "alt tags." It is the first principle to providing accessibility support. Alternative text describes an image that allows students, staff, and faculty who are blind or have low vision to get the same information as students, staff, and faculty who can see the image. However, writing alt text is more of an art than science. There is no straightforward formula for how to write it. This guide will identify key concepts to keep in mind and provide prompt writing alternative texts.
Describe all visual objects with an Alternative Text (Alt Text).
- Explain “why” the image relates to the content. The Alt Text is read aloud by screen reading software.
- Images can be given appropriate alternative text in most digital content or websites. Alternative Text will remain intact when exported to HTML or PDF.
Remember to add Alternative Text (Alt. Text) to the following:
- Shapes
- Pictures
- Charts
- Diagrams
- SmartArt
- Clip Art
- Tables
- Screenshots
- All Other Objects
How to add Alt Text (Example of Image: Windows 2016 Desktop)
- Right-click on the image and choose Format Picture.
- Select the Layout & Properties icon and choose Alt Text.
- Enter appropriate alt text only in the Description field (not the Title field).
How to add Alt. Text
- Right-click an image
- Select Edit Alt Text.
- The Alt Text box should appear on the right.
How to add Alt Text from Browser
Explain “why” the image relates to the content. The Alt Text is read aloud by screen reading software.
When creating alternative text, learn more about what to include by selecting the following: What is Good Alt. Text?
Below is an example of a simple alternative text for an image. The simple tag of the alternative text is the "Southern New University Logo."
