Alternative Text: Text Tutorial

The following content will cover how to add alternative (alt) text to non-text elements in Microsoft PowerPoint 2019. Go through each tab to view the different ways of incorporating alternative text.

Add alt text to images

1. Do one of the following:

   • Right-click an image and select Edit Alt Text.

     

   • Select an image. Select Format > Alt Text.

     

   The Alt Text pane opens on the right side of the slide.

2. Type 1-2 sentences to describe the image and its context to someone who cannot see it.

   

Add alt text to shapes or SmartArt graphics

1. Do one of the following:

   • Right-click an shape or SmartArt graphic and select Edit Alt Text.

     Tip: You have to right-click somewhere inside the frame that surrounds the entire shape or SmartArt graphic, not inside one of its parts.

     

   • Select a shape or a SmartArt graphic. Select Format > Alt Text.

     

   The Alt Text pane opens on the right side of the slide.

2. Type 1-2 sentences to describe the shape or SmartArt graphic and its context to someone who cannot see it.

   

Add alt text to charts

1. Do one of the following:

   • Right-click a chart and select Edit Alt Text.

     Tip: You have to right-click somewhere inside the frame that surrounds the entire chart, not inside one of its parts.

     

   • Select a chart. Select Format > Alt Text. 

     

   The Alt Text pane opens on the right side of the slide.

2. Type 1-2 sentences to describe the chart and its context to someone who cannot see it.

   

Mark visuals as decorative

If your visuals are purely decorative and add visual interest but aren't informative, you can mark them as such without needing to write any alt text. Examples of objects that should be marked as decorative are stylistic borders. People using screen readers will hear that these objects are decorative so they know they aren’t missing any important information.

1. To open the Alt Text pane, do one of the following:

   • Right-click an image, and then select Edit Alt Text.

   • Select an image, Select Format > Alt Text.

2. Select the Decorative check box. The text entry field becomes grayed out.