Add Image Descriptions

Issue  

This is how Ally describes this issue:

• The image does not have a description.  
• The document contains images without a description.

Could your course images be creating barriers for students who use screen readers or have low-bandwidth connections? Images should either provide meaningful information or be identified as decorative so students can navigate your course content more effectively.

• If an image communicates information, add clear alternative text that conveys its purpose or meaning.
• If an image does not communicate meaningful information, such as background graphics, borders, or accent elements, mark it as decorative so screen readers can skip it.

Ally can help make this process easier by identifying images that need attention and using AI to generate alternative text suggestions for you to review and refine. These small updates ensure more students can engage with visual materials.

Quick Fix

Add image descriptions or mark decorative images appropriately in CarmenCanvas.

To apply the quick fix:

1. Locate the issue named “The image does not have a description.”
2. Select that issue to view a list of images that are missing descriptions.  
3. Select an image to begin the fix. The image will appear on the left of your screen and the Instructor Feedback panel will be on the right.
4. Determine if the issue needs a description or should be marked decorative. If you need help deciding, refer to W3C’s Alt Text Decision Tree.
   1. To add a description:
      1. Type the description in the text box and select Add (or) 
      2. Select Auto-generate description. Check the description for accuracy and refine as needed. When finished, select Add.
   2. To mark as decorative:
      1. Select Indicate image as decorative.
5. If Ally does not identify another issue with the image, such as a contrast issue, the Accessibility Indicator icon will turn green, and Ally will mark the missing-description issue as resolved. If contrast issues exist, Instructor Feedback will ask you to fix those next.
6. Close Instructor Feedback and move to the next file in your list.  

When You Have More Time

Fix images in your PowerPoint Presentations or Word documents that are missing image descriptions or mark them as decorative. In Microsoft applications, you may see AI-generated suggestions for image descriptions when you use the Accessibility: Investigate option. Review and revise all suggestions for accuracy and context. Download the Microsoft Office file from Ally Instructor Feedback, correct the issue in the source document, and save the revised file with a new name. Then upload it through the Ally Instructor Feedback panel to replace the original.

Related Guides

• Ally’s Add Image Descriptions
• TLRC Ally Instructional Guide: Image Remediation
• OSU’s 7 Core Skills: Images and Alt Text
• W3C’s Decorative Images
• WebAIM’s Alt Text