Be able to add alternative text/screentip to an object

19. Presentations – Adding Alternative Text and Screentip to Objects

What is Alternative Text? 📄

Alternative text (alt text) is a short description that tells what an object (like an image, shape or chart) is about. Think of it as a caption for a picture that a blind or visually‑impaired friend can read with a screen reader.

Why is it important? 🔍

- Makes your presentation accessible to everyone. - Helps search engines understand the content. - Improves the overall quality of your slide deck.

How to add Alternative Text in PowerPoint 🛠️

1. Click on the object you want to describe.
2. Right‑click and choose Format Object (or Format Picture).
3. Go to the Size & Properties tab.
4. Find the Alt Text section.
5. Enter a concise description (e.g., “Bar chart showing sales growth 2023”).
6. Click Close.

What is a Screentip? 🖱️

A screentip is a short message that appears when the mouse hovers over an object. It’s like a quick note that tells the user what the object does or what it represents. Think of it as a “tooltip” you see in video games when you hover over an item to see its name or description.

How to add a Screentip in PowerPoint

1. Right‑click the object and select Insert ScreenTip.
2. Type a short, helpful message (e.g., “Click to view detailed sales data”).
3. Click OK.

Quick Reference Table 📊

Practice Exercise ✏️

Create a slide with at least three different objects (image, chart, button). Add appropriate alt text and screentips to each. Then, test the accessibility by using the Slide Show mode and hovering over each object to see the screentip. Finally, use a screen reader (or the “Read Aloud” feature in PowerPoint) to hear the alt text spoken aloud.

Key Takeaway 🚀

Adding alt text and screentips turns a simple presentation into an inclusive, professional, and polished document that everyone can enjoy. Remember: alt text explains what the object is, while screentip tells what it does.