Accessibility in Excel : Graphs
Adding Alt Text (Alternative Text) to graphs in Excel is an important step in making your spreadsheet more accessible, especially for users with visual impairments who rely on screen readers.
Best Practices for the Graphs :
Steps to Add Alt Text to a Chart or Graph in Excel:
Create or Select the Chart:
If you haven’t created a chart yet, select the data you want to plot, and then create the chart by going to the Insert tab and selecting your desired chart type (e.g., Column Chart, Line Chart, etc.).
If the chart is already created, simply click on the chart to select it.
Right-Click on the Chart:
Right-click anywhere on the chart (on the empty space around the data points, not the actual data or axes).
Select "Edit Alt Text":
From the context menu, click on Edit Alt Text. This will open the Alt Text pane on the right side of your screen.
Enter Alt Text Description:
- You will see a single Description field in the Alt Text pane.
- Write a detailed description of the chart in this field. The description should summarize the key points of the chart in a concise way, including the key data or trends.
See below for additional information on:
Additional Tips
For more information, check out the WCAG 2.2 for detailed guidance on ensuring your web and document content is fully accessible.