Accessibility

Alt Text

Alt text makes images, graphics, and photos accessible

Alternative text (alt text) describes an image for users with visual disabilities.

Alt texts gives screen readers the ability to describe images to users who are blind or have low vision, ensuring they have equal access to visual information. It also gives context to sighted users who may have image loading disabled or in the event of a broken link.

Creating good alt text takes practice. Jump down to our practice module to hone in your skills.

Quick Tips About Alt Text

Keep it concise
Avoid repeating exact contents also found within the caption
Don’t include “Image of…” or “May be an image of…”
Never skip the alt text

Where Alt Text is Needed

Web images
Social media posts
- Stories, Reels, image carousels
- Profile images
- Video thumbnails
Documents
- PDFs
- Word documents
- PowerPoint slides
- Charts, images, icons
Emails & Newsletters
- Marketing emails
- Internal mass emails
Learning Management Systems
- D2L Brightspace
- Course content, assignments, quizzes, lecture slides
Educational Materials
- E-textbooks
- Infographics
- Lab manuals
- Online course modules

Dos and Don'ts

Do

Provide context of the image in relation to how it is being used.
Write in simple, precise language, and keep it brief; 1-2 sentences maximum.
Appropriately describe the content of the image.
Identify important text within the image.
Use correct punctuation.

Don't

Include unnecessary details.
Exceed 1-2 short sentences.
Use the file name (e.g., "fall-campus.jpeg").
Include “Image of…” or “May be an image of…”
Insert assumptions or emotional judgements.

Practice Writing Alt Text

Practice Image 1: Blizzard Mascot

Blizzard mascot in front of campus signage pointing at viewer

Context: Image being used on undergraduate admissions webpage

Good example: Blizzard, the St. Cloud State mascot, welcomes future students in front of Huskies campus signage.

Bad example: Blizzard getting students pumped up and excited. (interpretation of emotion)

Practice Image 2: Graduate in Regalia

A master's graduate wearing a cap and gown posing outside near pink flowering trees

Context: Image being used to advertise upcoming commencement ceremony

Good example: A master's graduate wearing a cap and gown posing outside near pink flowering trees.

Bad example: Graduate in front of blurry background. (too vague; misses context and meaningful detail)

Practice Image 3: SCSU Dog Pound

The SCSU Dog Pound at a hockey game

Context: Image being used on a campus life webpage

Good example: Members of the Dog Pound student cheer group gathered in the stands wearing St. Cloud State hockey jerseys.

Bad example: Hockey supporters wearing red and black shirts. (ignores SCSU branding and purpose of image)

Using AI to Create Alt Text

AI is a helpful drafting tool—but every alt text line still requires human review to ensure accuracy, context-appropriateness, neutrality, and accessibility.

What to watch out for when using AI to create alt text

AI may guess or assume details that aren't visible.
AI can misinterpret the purpose of the image.
AI may include unnecessary or overly literal details.
AI often adds emotional interpretation.
AI often adds "Image of..." or "Picture showing..."
AI can produce alt text descriptions that are too long.

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