Alternative (alt) text is descriptive text that identifies non-text content for visually impaired readers and is recognized by accessibility tools like screen readers.

👉 Use alt text to describe informative and decorative elements in your accessible designs.

Use the Alt Text Tool in the Venngage Editor

1. Select any non-text element on your design canvas — such as an icon, shape, photo, or chart.

2. Click “Alt Text” in the top toolbar or press the spacebar (for keyboard users).

   

3. This opens the Add Alt Text modal (box).

   

4. Choose whether the element is decorative or add a description for screen reader users.

   

4. Click Save when you’re done. You can edit or update the text anytime before downloading or sharing your design.

Describe Non-Text Elements with Alt Text

Add a clear, concise description of what the element represents in the Description text field.

1. Select the element — Click on a non-text element (like an icon, image, shape, or chart) on your design canvas.

2. Open the Alt Text modal — Click Alt Text in the top toolbar or press the spacebar (for keyboard users) to open the “Add Alt Text” window.

   

3. Add a description manually — In the Description text field, type a clear, concise explanation of what the element represents.

   

   💡 Simple graphics: A short phrase or sentence works best; Complex visuals (like charts): Provide longer, more detailed descriptions.

4. Auto-generate alt text — Click Generate to let Venngage create an automatic description for you. You can edit or improve the generated text before saving.
    

   

5. Save your description — Click Save to apply your changes. You can always come back to edit later.

💡 Need guidance? Expand the “Tips for writing good alt text” section in the modal or check out our full guide:
👉 Writing helpful alternative (alt) text for non-text content

Mark Elements as Decorative

If an element is purely decorative and doesn’t convey essential information, mark it as decorative so screen readers skip it.
This ensures a smoother reading experience for users with assistive tools.

Check Your Alt Text with the Accessibility Checker

1. Open the Accessibility Checker from the File menu.

   

2. Under Check Accessibility, open the Alternative Text heading.

   

   • The Checker will highlight all non-text elements and flag any missing alt text.

     

   • Elements missing alt text appear with a grey “ALT” tag (blue when completed).

     

3. Add alt text by clicking “Add alt text” on the flagged item, or select the element directly and use the Alt Text button.

4. Once done, tick the box at the bottom of the Alternative Text section to confirm that decorative elements are correctly marked.

   

Keep Reading Order in Mind

When adding descriptions, use the Edit Reading Order tool to make sure all elements appear in a logical reading sequence.

Non-text elements appear in the Reading Order list with their type (e.g., icon, shape, chart) and alt text description.
👉 Note: Decorative elements are not listed in the Reading Order.

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