Alternative Text

Describe images used in documents - Why Alternative Text Matters

Including a text description—also known as alternative text or alt text—for images ensures that content is accessible to students using screen readers, particularly those who are blind or visually impaired.

Beyond accessibility, writing clear and meaningful alt text can also enhance your teaching. It encourages intentional image selection by prompting you to consider what the image communicates and how it supports your course content.

Tips for Writing Effective Alt Text

• Be concise but descriptive: Aim to convey the essential information in a few words or a short sentence.
• Focus on function: Describe what the image is meant to communicate in the context of your content.
• Skip “image of…”: Screen readers already announce that it’s an image.
• Mark decorative images appropriately: If an image adds no meaningful content, mark it as decorative so it’s skipped by screen readers.

Alt Text Examples