Insert Images with Alt Text in the Rich Content Editor

Last updated on June 4, 2026

Images within course content create a dynamic and engaging visual for students, and are a crucial component of visual learning. When using images to help students understand the content, you need to include alt text to meet accessibility standards. Alt text is text that describes an image so students who rely on screen readers are able to receive the same educational value of the image as students can visually view the it.

For more information about making images accessible to students using a screen reader, visit the CTLD’s Instructional Accessiblity Group’s page, Make Images Accessible.

This tutorial will go over how you can easily insert images with alt text in Canvas anywhere the Rich Content Editor is used, such as Pages, Assignments, Quizzes, and Announcements.

For more guidance on using the Rich Content Editor, see our tutorial, Use the Rich Content Editor to Modify Text, Insert Links, Attach Files, and Connect Apps.

Directions

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

1. Log in to your Canvas Account.
2. Select the Course you’d like to work in.
3. Open any item with the Rich Content Editor.
   • This can be Pages, Assignments, Quizzes, Announcements, Discussions, or the Syllabus.
4. Click Edit in the top-right hand corner.
5. Click the spot in the Rich Content Editor (large text box) where you want to insert your image.
6. Click Insert in the toolbar above the text box.
7. Hover over Image.
8. Click Upload Image.
   • If you have already uploaded the images somewhere else in the Canvas Course, you can click Course Images instead.
9. Click the Upload Image Box from the pop-up window.
10. Locate the Image File saved on your computer. 
11. Click Open.
12. Enter Alt Text in the text field below the image.
    • Optional: Check the box next to Decorative Image if the image has no educational value.
13. Click Submit in the bottom right-hand corner.

Edit an Image in the Rich Content Editor

You can easily resize and image and edit the alt text using the Rich Content Editor.

Resize the Image

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 to resize the image.
   • You can also choose specific dimensions by following these steps:
     1. Click the Image.
     2. Click Image Option.
     3. Click the Size dropdown menu.
     4. Select the Standardized Size you desire.
        • If you select Custom, enter the width and height you want the image to be.
     5. Click Done.

Edit the Alt Text for an Image

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. Click the Image.
2. Click Image Options.
3. Enter/edit the alt text in the Alt Text text field.
   • Optional: Check the box next to Decorative Image if the image has no educational value.
4. Click Done in the bottom right-hand corner.

Have Questions?

Need additional support on this or other teaching and learning topics? Please visit us for drop-in support (10am-3pm, M-F) or try one of our self-help tutorials. 

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