Storyline 360 allows you to add alternative text (alt text) to slide objects. Screen readers and other assistive technologies use alt text to describe visual content. 

In this guide, you'll learn best practices for writing alt text and three ways to add it in Storyline 360.

• Write Effective Alt Text
• Add Alt Text in the Media Library
• Add Alt Text in the Focus Order Window
• Add Alt Text Using the Size and Position Window

Write Effective Alt Text

Non-text content needs alternative text to communicate its meaning to learners using assistive technologies. Add alt text to objects that convey meaning or context. Hide purely decorative images and shapes from accessibility tools to avoid unnecessary announcements.

Use these guidelines when writing alt text:

• Be descriptive and specific. Describe the content, function, and context of the object. Include enough detail to communicate the object’s purpose. 
• Keep it concise. Focus on the essential information. Aim for 150 characters or fewer when possible. 
• Avoid unnecessary phrases. Don’t include words like “image” or “graphic.” Screen readers already announce that the object is a graphic.
• Write clearly. Use complete words and limit punctuation. Some symbols are read literally by screen readers. For example, *** is announced as “asterisk, asterisk, asterisk.”

For more detailed guidance, see our on-demand webinar, How to Write Alt Text for E-Learning.

Add Alt Text in the Media Library

Use the media library to manage alt text for images, characters, and videos across your project.

1. Go to the View tab and click Media Library.
2. Select an image, character pose, or video in the asset grid.
3. Enter alt text in the details pane or click Generate alt text to let AI Assistant suggest text.
4. Review and revise the text so it reflects the object’s purpose.

Learn more about managing alt text in the Media Library.

Add Alt Text in the Focus Order Window

Use the Focus Order window to manage keyboard navigation order and screen reader reading order. You can also edit alt text for slide objects here. 

1. Open the slide in Slide View.
2. Go to the Home tab and click Focus Order.
3. Enter text in the Alternative Text column.
4. Click Save.

Keep these tips in mind:

• All objects on the slide appear here, including objects from layers and slide masters.
• To edit alt text for slide master objects, switch to Slide Master View (press F4). Then right-click the object and choose Accessibility.
• If a non-text object doesn’t have alt text, screen readers read the object name from the timeline. 
• For text objects, screen readers read the visible text by default.
• To hide an object from screen readers, select it in the list and click Remove. This doesn’t delete the object.

Learn more about using the Focus Order window.

Add Alt Text Using the Size and Position Window

The Size and Position window includes accessibility settings. You can use these settings to add alt text to a selected object.

1. Right-click the object you want to edit.
2. Choose Accessibility.
3. Leave Object is visible to accessibility tools selected.
4. Enter text in the Alternative text field or click Generate alt text to let AI Assistant suggest text.
5. Click Close.

Keep these tips in mind:

• A dynamic character counter appears as you type. While there isn't a strict limit, shorter descriptions are usually clearer.
• To hide the object from screen readers, uncheck Object is visible to accessibility tools.

If you’re using the modern player, you can add alt text to your course logo in your player settings.

Learn more about the accessibility setting in the Size and Position window.