Faculty ACCESS Hub

Images: Use alt text for all meaningful images

Use alt text to convey the purpose and essential information of the image within its context, using clear, neutral language. Mark decorative images properly, and give longer descriptions when needed.

💡 Accessibility Tip: If the image is decorative, leave the alt text empty (or mark as decorative) so screen readers skip it.

Why this matters

Examples

Before

No alt text provided – screen reader says: "Image."

no_alt_text_cheat_example.wav

After

Alt text added – screen reader says: "A student using a cheat sheet hidden in their hand while filling out a scantron test with a pencil."

with_alt_text_cheat_example.wav

Checklist

Every informative image has meaningful alt text.
Decorative images should be marked with 'decorative/empty alt text'.
Charts/graphs include a short summary nearby.
No “image of …” unless necessary.
Alt text should be concise (roughly 150 characters or less).

Tip: Use captions when helpful to all readers.

WCAG 2.1 AA Guidance

Success Criterion 1.1.1 – Non-text Content: All meaningful images must have a text alternative that serves the same purpose.

Fix It!(choose your tool)

Microsoft Word / PowerPoint

Right-click image
Select Edit Alt Text.
Write a brief, descriptive summary (avoid saying “image of…”).
Leave decorative images blank, or if available, select "mark as decorative."

Need more help? Visit Microsoft's alt text support page for examples and screenshots.

Google Docs / Slides

Select image → Alt text (Right-click or ⌘/Ctrl+Option+Y).
Fill in Description with the purpose; leave Title blank or short.
Mark decorative images with empty description

Canvas LMS

Insert image with the Rich Content Editor.
In the image options, set Alt text; check “Decorative” when appropriate.
For complex images, link to a page with extended description

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