Writing Alternative Text

What is Alternative Text?

Alternative text (alt text) is a written description that makes the information in images accessible to everyone, including people who use screen readers. Screen readers read aloud the text and elements on a screen for people who are blind or have low vision. Without alt text, screen reader users only know that an image exists, not what it conveys.

Alt text can be included within the image properties or provided as nearby text. In programs like Microsoft Word and Canva, you can add alt text by right-clicking the image and selecting View Alt Text or Alternative Text.

What To Include in Alternative Text 

• All of the text and data included in the image
  
  • Any text or data included in the image but not the alt text is not accessible to users who are blind
• Charts, graphs and infographics often require a longer description that can be linked to or added elsewhere in the document
• If using a QR code, include the link in the alternative text
• In addition to alternative text, if you are sharing a graphic/flyer that contains text, you need to also include the text information within the graphic/flyer in the body of the email, in the body of a social media post, or near the image if posted on a website