Writing Alternative Text
To be accessible to everyone, images should include alternative text that explains what鈥檚 shown for people who can鈥檛 see the image.
What is Alternative Text?
Alternative text is a written description of an image that makes visual content 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 alternative text, a screen reader will only announce that an image is present, not what information or meaning it contains.
The term “alternative text” refers broadly to any text alternative provided for visual content. This information can be included directly in the image properties, placed nearby in the document, or provided as a longer description elsewhere on the page.
“Alt text” specifically refers to the short text description stored within an image’s properties. 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.
Alt text should be concise and provide a brief description of the image. Most simple images only require a short alt text description.
More complex visuals, such as charts, graphs, maps, diagrams, or infographics, often require a longer description in addition to alt text. Long descriptions provide all important textual information in the image as well as detailed explanations of trends, data points, relationships, or other visual information that cannot fit into a short alt text field.
Example
- Alt text: “Bar graph showing enrollment increases from 2022 to 2025.”
- Long description: “A detailed explanation of the enrollment numbers, categories, comparisons, and trends shown in the graph.”
Long descriptions can be:
- Included in the surrounding document text
- Added as a caption or appendix
- Linked from the image
- Placed directly below the image
- All important text, data, and information included in the image
- The purpose or meaning of the image, not just a visual description
- Any labels, values, or trends shown in charts, graphs, or infographics
- The destination URL when using a QR code
Any important text or information included in the image but not provided in the alt text, long description, or surrounding content is not accessible to users who are blind or have low vision.
IMPORTANT: In addition to alternative text, if you are sharing a graphic or flyer, all text information within the image or PDF should also be included:
- In the body of an email
- In the text of a social media post
- Near the image on a website or in Blackboard
Examples of Alternative Text
Alternative Text: Six circular donut charts displaying demographic and enrollment statistics. Female: 57.1%, 13,133. Non-Resident: 56.2%, 12,933. Domestic: 96.3%, 22,166. Full-Time: 91.6%, 21,076. Not First Gen: 61.6%, 14,177. Non-STEM: 77.8%. White: 75.5%, 17,374.
Alternative Text: We need you for our future student writing campaign! November 3rd through the 7th from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on the 3rd floor of the Student Union. Hosted by Ole Miss Admissions and Campus Visit & Orientation Programs.
Alternative Text: Open Doors event on Tuesday October 21st 2025 from 5:30 to 7PM. An evening of conversation with UM administration. Enjoy a night of food, fun and festivities as you journey through the Lyceum while getting to know our Senior Leadership. This is a come-and-go event for all students. Let's open the doors of the Lyceum together! Register here: olemiss.campuslabs.com/engage/event/11697141. For more information on disability accommodations, please contact dsa_engaged@olemiss.edu or 662-915-2933.