How to Add Alt Text to Images in Word? (for Accessibility)

To make Word images accessible, add concise, meaningful alt text via: 1) right-click → “Edit Alt Text”, 2) select image → Picture Format tab → “Alt Text” button, or 3) right-click → “Format Picture” → Layout & Properties → Alt Text section.

If you need to make Word documents accessible for screen reader users, adding alt text to images is essential. Here are the methods to add alt text to images in Microsoft Word:

The operating environment of this tutorial: Windows 11, Microsoft Word 365.

1. Add Alt Text via Right-Click Context Menu

This method uses the built-in context menu to quickly access the image format options and insert descriptive alternative text.

• Right-click the image in your Word document.
• Select Edit Alt Text from the context menu.
• In the Alt Text pane that appears on the right, type a concise, meaningful description of the image’s content and function.
• Close the pane after entering the text — no additional save step is required.

2. Add Alt Text Through the Picture Format Tab

This approach leverages the ribbon interface and gives direct access to alt text fields when the image is selected.

• Click the image to select it.
• Go to the Picture Format tab in the ribbon.
• Click the Alt Text button in the Accessibility group.
• Type the description in the text box under Description in the Alt Text pane.

3. Add Alt Text Using the Format Picture Pane

This method opens a detailed formatting panel where alt text can be entered alongside other image properties.

• Right-click the image and choose Format Picture.
• In the Format Picture pane, click the Layout & Properties icon (a square with diagonal lines and a gear).
• Expand the Alt Text section if it is collapsed.
• Enter the description in the Description field.

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