How to Add Alt Text or Image Descriptions in Canvas and Word

Overview

Adding alternative text (alt text) helps students who use screen readers understand images in your course content. Alt text briefly describes the purpose or meaning of an image so that everyone can access the same information.

When to Add Alt Text

Use alt text for any image that provides information, such as charts, diagrams, or photos that support your content.
If the image is purely decorative, mark it as decorative so it can be skipped by assistive technology.

Steps in Microsoft Word

  1. Right-click the image and choose Edit Alt Text.

  2. Type a short description that explains what the image shows and why it matters.

  3. If the image is decorative, check the option to mark it decorative.

  4. Save your changes and run Word’s Accessibility Checker before exporting or sharing the file.

Steps in Canvas

  1. Click inside a text area and insert an image using the Rich Content Editor.

  2. Select the image, then click Image Options on the toolbar.

  3. In the Alt Text field, write a short description of what the image shows.

  4. If the image is decorative, check the option to mark it decorative.

  5. Save your changes and publish the page.

Good Alt Text Examples

  • “Bar chart showing average exam scores by section.”

  • “Photo of the campus library during fall.”

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