Alt Text How To In Word Documents

A Step-By-Step Guide

Section 508 compliance is a set of accessibility standards that aim to make electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities, particularly in the context of federal agencies and organizations that work with the federal government.

People who use screen readers can’t see pictures, so it’s crucial to make documents accessible. When crafting a Word document, You can create alternative text (Alt text) for shapes, pictures, charts, SmartArt graphics, or other objects. Let’s explore the steps to implement this feature.

For Windows

1. Do one of the following:

Right-click the object and select Edit Alt Text.
Select the object and then select the format menu for the object, for example, Picture Format. Select Alt Text.

2. Within the Alt Text pane, enter a description in the text box to convey the object and its context to individuals who may not have visual access.

3. If your images serve only a decorative purpose, enhancing visual appeal without providing information, you can mark your object visuals as decorative by selecting the Mark as a decorative checkbox. The text entry field becomes grayed out.

For MacOS

1. Do one of the following:

Control-click or right-click the object, and then select View Alt Text…. The Alt Text pane opens.
Select an object. In the ribbon, select the object’s Format tab, and then select Alt Text.

2. Within the Alt Text pane, enter a description in the text box to convey the object and its context to individuals who may not have visual access.

Stay Informed and Inspired!

Section 508 compliance is a set of accessibility standards that aim to make electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities, particularly in the context of federal agencies and organizations that work with the federal government.

People who use screen readers can’t see pictures, so it’s crucial to make documents accessible. When crafting a Word document, You can create alternative text (Alt text) for shapes, pictures, charts, SmartArt graphics, or other objects. Let’s explore the steps to implement this feature.

For Windows

1. Do one of the following:

Right-click the object and select Edit Alt Text.
Select the object and then select the format menu for the object, for example, Picture Format. Select Alt Text.

2. Within the Alt Text pane, enter a description in the text box to convey the object and its context to individuals who may not have visual access.

For MacOS

1. Do one of the following:

Control-click or right-click the object, and then select View Alt Text…. The Alt Text pane opens.
Select an object. In the ribbon, select the object’s Format tab, and then select Alt Text.

2. Within the Alt Text pane, enter a description in the text box to convey the object and its context to individuals who may not have visual access.