Add Alt Text to Images in Canvas

Quick Links: | Importance of Alternative Text for Images | Benefits of Alternative Text for Student Access | Add Alternative Text to Images in Canvas |

Importance of Alternative Text for Images

Images can enhance learning by visualizing complex concepts, but they can also create barriers for students who rely on screen readers. Without alternative text (alt text), screen readers cannot convey the meaning or context of images, leaving some students without critical information. Adding thoughtful, descriptive alt text ensures that all students, including those who are blind or have low vision, can fully engage with course materials.

Images without alt text are inaccessible to students using screen readers. This barrier particularly affects:

• Students who are blind or have low vision and rely on screen readers.
• Students with slow internet connections or technical issues, where alt text provides context if images fail to load.

Without alt text, students may miss important visual cues, context, and meaning.

Benefits of Alternative Text for Student Access

Providing alt text ensures all students can understand and engage with course materials, regardless of how they access them. Effective alt text communicates the purpose and content of images clearly and concisely.

• Enhances comprehension by clarifying the context of images.
• Provides equivalent access for students who use screen readers.
• Offers a backup description when images fail to load.

Add Alternative Text to Images in Canvas

1. From the Canvas Dashboard, open your course.
2. Open the page containing the image.
3. Select Edit to open the Rich Content Editor.
4. Select the image you want to edit.
5. Select Image Options from the toolbar.
6. In the slide-out panel, enter a concise description in the Alt Text field.
   • Describe the same information the image conveys.
   • Include any meaningful text shown in the image.
   • For guidance, see the Accessible Images article.
7. If the image is purely decorative and conveys no instructional meaning, select Decorative Image instead.
8. Select Done to apply your changes.
9. Select Save or Save and Publish to finalize updates.

Adding descriptive alt text ensures that images in your Canvas course are accessible to all students.

 Still need help? Drop in to Academic Technology's live faculty support room via Zoom, schedule a one-on-one consultation with an instructional designer, or reach out to the Technology & Learning Program to ensure your courses are fully accessible.
  
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