Word: Adding Alt-Text

Alternative Text, (alt-text) tells a screen reader what is in the image.

Tips for writing alt-text:

• Alt-text depends upon the context and surrounding text.
• Make it descriptive and succinct of the meaning the image conveys.
• Keep it to 100 characters or less.
• Avoid images with text, but if you have to use one, the text needs to be in the alt-text if it is not in the surrounding text.
• Do not start with "image of" or "picture of".
• End with a period so the screen reader will pause.
• Do not repeat what is in the surrounding text.

Alt-text Resources

For more reading on alt-text, see these resources:

• Axess Lab Alt-texts: The Ultimate Guide
• WebAIM: Alternative Text
• W3 alt Decision Tree
• 4Syllables Text Alternatives - a decision tree
• 4Syllables Long descriptions for images

Procedure

Right Click on image > Edit Alt Text

In the Alt Text pane that opens on the right, add the alt text.

Note: Do not use the automatically generated descriptions.

Important: Do not take the image out of the flow of the document by setting the format to behind or in front of text. Instead, use columns to maneuver the image where you want it. See more about Columns.

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