Just as in creating accessible web pages, to ensure your document is accessible, it's important to add a text description to images. This allows individuals who are visually-impaired or blind using screen-reader software to "hear" the description of the image. Additionally, for individuals who are using a text-only Web browser or other mobile device, the text description still provides access to the information when the images are not displayed.

** IMPORTANT **

As a reminder, adding alternative text is required under the WCAG 2.0, Level A and the Section 508 Standards.

Remember, alternate text should convey the meaning and/or purpose of the image, and you, as the instructor, are best able to determine the pedagogical value of the image. Be sure your alternative text is thoughtful and appropriate.

When providing alternative text for images, the CCC High Tech Center Training Unit offers the following guidelines:

Keep the alternative text brief (10 words or less), but be descriptive.
If there is text content in the image, include the exact text in the alternate text box.
Do not use the word "image" to begin your description - instead identify the type of image being used if it is relevant to the image content (e.g., photograph, painting, screenshot).
If the image is very detailed and cannot be summarized in a few sentences, consider placing additional information about the image into the page text preceding or following the image.

Windows
Mac
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Windows

Alt Text in Word for Windows

To set the alt text on an image:

Select the image and perform a right-mouse-button click.
Choose Format Picture from the menu.
In the Format Picture side panel select the Layout and Properties option.
Click on ALT TEXT, and then enter a short text description of the image.
- Include information about the content and/or function of the image.
- Try to keep your alt text under 7 words.

Screenshot of menus to insert Image Alternative Text in Word for Windows