Inserting Images and Adding Alternative Text

The Insert Image option is available wherever the Brightspace Editor is present, allowing you to add and edit images. Any image added should have alternative text, sometimes referred to as alt text. In this article:

What is alternative text and when is it needed?

Alternative text, or alt text, is a textual substitute for images in web pages and digital documents. Alternative text:

  • Conveys the function and purpose of the image to users who depend on screen readers.
  • Improves the experience for users with a slow internet connection. If an image fails to load, the browser will present the alternative text in place of the image.
  • Search engines factor alt text into their assessment of a page’s content.

Alt text is therefore an important part of all digital content. If an image conveys information useful for interacting with or understanding the content, then it needs alternative text. Examples of images that need alternative text include:

  • a graph or chart
  • a photo pertaining to what is covered in the text content

If an image is purely decorative, then it does not need alternative text but does need to be marked as decorative. Examples of images that may be marked as decorative include:

  • a decorative icon
  • a decorative photo added only to break up long text

For more help on determining if your image needs a text alternative, use the W3C Alt Decision Tree. 

Inserting an Image in Brightspace

  1. Navigate to anywhere Brightspace Editor is available, such as Discussions.
  2. In Brightspace Editor, click the Insert Image icon
    brightspace editor
  3. Click Insert Image
  4. In the Add a File dialog, click either My Computer or Course Offering Files and select the image you want to insert, or click URL and link out to the image you want to insert.
  5. Click Add
    add an image
  6. Enter Alternative Text. This text should convey the same information as the image. If the image does not convey any information, select "this image is decorative".
  7. Save your content or post your discussion.

Learn more about alternative text

These resources will help you learn more about alternative text and accessibility:

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