Working with Alternative Text

It is a good practice to always add alternative text, or Alt text, to objects, such as charts, pictures, shapes, and SmartArt. This will make the content of these objects more available via screen readers for people who are visually impaired, or may be using other devices.

We will add Alt text to the column chart. In Microsoft Excel, adding Alt text is a feature that can now be found in the Format Object task pane.

Step1. To open the Format Chart task pane,

Right-Click the chart, Click Format Chart Area...

NOTE: If you move the mouse as you right-click, you will see the "Move Here" option instead of a full menu.

NOTE for MacOS Users: To open the Format Chart task pane, press: Control key+Click the chart, Click Format Chart Area... .

We will need to access the Size & Properties options.

Step2. To expand Size & Properties, at the top of the task pane,

Click

Step3. To expand ALT TEXT,

Click

The title is optional and can be used as a summary, especially if the description is lengthy.

Step4. To enter a title, in the Title box, type:

Column Chart Tab key

Step5. To enter a more detailed description, in the Description box, type:

This column chart compares the number of individuals from Campus A and Campus B who have completed a computer certificate series. The Excel End-Users series is the most popular on both campuses.

Step6. Close the task pane.

Step7. Save the workbook ChartData.xlsx.