Outlook: Alternative Text for Images

Overview

Alternative text (alt text) ensures users who cannot see images understand their purpose and context.

Considerations

• Keep alt text brief (1–2 sentences, ~150 characters).
• Describe the image’s purpose, not just its appearance.
• Avoid repeating nearby text or captions.
• Use proper punctuation.
• Provide long descriptions for complex images (tables, charts, graphs, diagrams). Long descriptions can be included in the surrounding text or linked in an appendix.
• Logos within an email signature should also include alt text. This is done within the signature editor. See the Outlook: Accessible Signatures for more information. 

Steps

For information and a demonstration, please see the Outlook: Alt text video. 

Windows (PC App)

Detailed instructions can be found in the Add alternative text to an Outlook Email Microsoft Support Guide. 

1. Right-click the image.
2. Select Add Alternative Text.
3. Enter a concise description.

Outlook 365 (Web)

Detailed instructions can be found in the Add alternative text to an Outlook Email Microsoft Support Guide. 

1. Right-click the image.
2. Select Add alternate text.
3. Enter the description.

macOS / iOS

Detailed instructions can be found in the Add alternative text to an Outlook Email Microsoft Support Guide. 

1. Right-click the image.
2. Select Edit alt text.
3. Enter the description.

Additional Resources

• Alternative text section of the Make your Outlook Email accessible to people with disabilities Microsoft Support Guide. 
• TRY: Arizona State University’s Image Accessibility Creator to help shape alt text, long descriptions, and a transcript (if applicable).