Alternative Text (Alt Text) is also referred to as an alt description or an alt attribute; alt text is critical for those with disabilities because it describes the function and appearance of a photo or graphic that cannot be seen and is read aloud by screen reading software. Alt text improves the overall user experience.
How to get started: Right-Click on the image.
Select "Alt. Text".
Describe all visual objects with an Alternative Text (Alt Text).
- Enter the information needed to understand the image/icon in the Description text field. Explain “why” the image relates to the content. Make sure it conveys the information necessary for people to understand. Limit the characters you use to describe your image (maximum characters 80-100).
- If the image/icon is there only for decoration and does not play an essential role in the presentation, you can "Mark it as decorative."
Remember if you use the Automated Alternative Text Generator “Generate a description for me” please double-check the description is accurately described. There are many auto-generated descriptions that may not always provide all the necessary information that a screen reader user would need to understand the meaning you are trying to convey.
Additional Resources listed below:
- Article: How to create Alternative Text
- Everything you need to know to write effective alt text
- Use a screen reader with the Accessibility Checker
- Make your content accessible to everyone with the Accessibility Checker
- Video for why it is important to add alt. text to image (00:02:20)
- Make your PowerPoint presentations accessible to people with disabilities