Provide alternative text for all images that offer instructional value but without being redundant. When you add alt text, a short description is provided when you click on or hover over an image. By using alt text, everyone can view your content, especially students who use screen readers. It is important to add the alt text description or add it as a decorative section because the screen readers will interpret the content of the page. 

You can add the description once you have selected your image to upload. 

1. Click on the image icon on the toolbar and click on Upload Image.
2. Once you have accessed the upload page, you can drag your image to the page. You can also click on the page, and it will take you to your drive. Select your image and click on Open.
3. Before you click on the submit button, scroll down to Attributes, and click on the Alt Text box. Add the image description and click on the Submit button.
4. You can also add the alt text once the image has been uploaded to Canvas. Click on the image and click on Image Options. In the Alt Text box, type in your description.

Need more detail?

Delve into the in-depth walkthrough below, complete with images and various notes for every step.

In-Depth Walkthrough

Step 1

Click on the image icon on the toolbar and click on upload image.

Step 2

Once you have accessed the upload page, you can drag your image to the page. You can also click on the page, and it will take you to your drive. Select your image and click on Open.

Step 3

Before you click on the submit button, scroll down to Attributes, and click on the Alt Text box. Add the image description and click on the Submit button. *If the image is just a decorative image and has no significance to the content, then you can click on Decorative Image.

Step 4

You can also add the alt text after the image has been uploaded to Canvas. Click on the image and click on Image Options. In the Alt Text box, type in your description.

Add Image Alt Text in Canvas Video

Add Alt Text in Canvas FAQ

Are there best practices for composing alt text?

Yes, there are best practices for alt text:

• Be specific and descriptive: Describe the image clearly and concisely.
• Add context: Relate the description to the intended message of the imagery. For example, rather than "grey rock beside ruler" writing "grey rock measuring 1.5 inches" gives context. 
• Keep it concise: Aim for 1-3 sentences or around 125 characters.
• Avoid redundancy: No need to repeat information provided in the surrounding text.

Do I need to add alt text if the image has a description on it?

Yes.  Text on images is not recognized by Canvas or assistive technology. All images, including images with text on them, must have alt text or be marked as decorative so it is not readable.

Do I need to add alt text to a photo I use more than once? 

You must add alt text to every photo no matter how many times you use it. Alt text does not become part of the photo file so it does not get saved to the photo.