Insert Images with Alt Text in the Rich Content Editor

Last updated on May 9, 2024

Images within a page, assignment, discussion, or quiz create a dynamic and engaging visual for students. Images are also a crucial component of visual learning.

Note: The Rich Content Editor is used throughout Canvas; Announcements, Assignments, Discussions, Pages, Quizzes, and Syllabus all feature large text boxes with a tool bar across the top where text and media can be entered. This is the Rich Content Editor and these instructions will work wherever the Rich Content Editor appears.

Directions

Upload an Image with Alt-Text in the Rich Content Editor

1. Log-in to Canvas.
2. Select the Course you’d like to work in.
3. Open any item with the Rich Content Editor.
   • Most often, this will be a Page, but you can add images with alt-text nearly anywhere you add text, like in an Announcement, an Assignment, or a Quiz.
4. Click Edit in the top-right hand corner.
5. Click the Rich Content Editor.
   • This is the large-text box with the toolbar that appears in many different locations in Canvas.
6. Click Insert in the toolbar above the text box.
7. Hover over Image.
8. Click Upload Image.
9. Find the Image File saved on your computer. 
10. Double-click the Image File.
11. Enter Alt Text in the text field.
    • Optional: Check the box next to Decorative Image if the image has no meaning.
12. Click Submit in the bottom right-hand corner.

Edit an Image in the Rich Content Editor

You can easily resize or standardize the size of any image in the Rich Content Editor by following these instructions:

1. Click on the Image.
   • A blue box surrounds the image with little squares at the corner.
2. Click and drag the Blue Square at One Corner of the Image.
   • You can also choose specific dimensions by following these steps:
     1. Click the Image.
     2. Click the Options Box that appears. The Image Options menu opens on the right.
     3. Click the Custom Drop-Down Menu.
     4. Select the Standardized Size you desire.

Edit Alt Text in the Rich Content Editor

It is simple to quickly add alt text to your images. Adding alt text ensures that all students are able to interact and engage with the information in the Rich Content Editor. You can add alt text to images in Rich Content Editor by following the instructions below.

1. Log-in to Canvas.
2. Select the Course you’d like to work in.
3. Open any item with the Rich Content Editor.
   • Most often, this will be a Page, but you can add images with alt-text nearly anywhere you add text, like in an Announcement, an Assignment, or a Quiz.
4. Click Edit in the top-right hand corner.
5. Click the Image.
6. Click Image Options.
7. Enter Alt Text in the text field.
   • Optional: Check the box next to Decorative Image if the image has no meaning.
8. Click Done in the bottom right-hand corner.