What is an Alternative text
Alternative text, commonly referred to as "Alt Text," "alt attributes," "alt descriptions," or "alt tags," is the first essential 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 those who can see the image, but writing an alt text is more of an skill than science. This guide will identify key concepts to keep in mind and provide prompt writing alternative texts.
How to add Alt Text in Word
- Click an image
- Select "Picture"
- Select "Alt Text."
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The Alt Text box should appear on the right.
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 a 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."
Describe all visual objects with an Alternative Text (Alt Text).
- Explain “why” the image relates to the content. The Alt Text can be 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