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How to add alt text to images, in Microsoft Word

Why it matters

Alt-text and descriptions help people using screen readers and other assistive technologies, understand the content of a picture they may not be able to see.

Good alt-text is:

  • Specific and succinct.
  • Informative.
  • Functional.

If your image is decorative you will have the option to select this in the alt-text field.

Insert Picture

Within Microsoft Word, using the ribbon menu, click the ‘Insert’ button.

Then click the ‘Picture’ icon.

Screenshot of Microsoft Word ribbon menu. Insert button. Highlighted. Picture icon. Highlighted.

Add alt-text

Right-click on the picture.

  1. Click ‘Edit Alt Text’
Screen shot demonstrating how to add alt text to a photograph of some ice.

An alt-text window will pop up on the right side of your screen. You can now type your image description here or tick the box which marks the image as decorative.

Screen shot of am alt-text window in word with a description within.

You can also add alt-text via the format picture option.

Updated on June 25, 2024
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