excel

How To Add Alt Text To A Chart In Excel

Jump to

    Adding alternative text (alt text) to charts in Excel is essential for ensuring that your data is accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments. Alt text provides a textual alternative to visual information, which can be read by screen readers, allowing the content to be accessible to a wider audience.

    This practical guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of adding alt text to your Excel charts. By following these instructions, you'll enhance the accessibility of your charts and ensure that your data is comprehensible even without visual cues.

    We'll also explore how using Sourcetable can simplify the process of adding alt text to your data visualizations, compared to the more manual approach required by Excel.

    Adding Alt Text to Excel Charts

    Steps to Add Alt Text

    To make charts in Excel accessible, add alt text that describes the chart and its context. In Excel 365, select the chart and access the format menu, then choose 'Alt Text'. For SmartArt graphics or charts, click the border to select the entire object and add alt text that assists users with visual disabilities.

    Alt Text via Format Selection

    Improve chart accessibility further through formatting. Navigate to 'Format' > 'Current Selection' > 'Format Selection' in Excel to enhance legibility, using simple, sans serif fonts at 12 points or larger. Ensure the title is descriptive, axis formatting is legible, and chart labels are clear and useful.

    Marking Decorative Elements

    Excel allows marking visuals as decorative. If the object is purely for visual interest and not pertinent to understanding the chart, mark it as decorative. This bypasses the need for alt text on non-informative elements, focusing user attention on essential data.

    Accessibility Considerations

    Choose your words carefully when adding alt text to ensure clarity for individuals with low vision. Provide concise, descriptive titles and label chart elements clearly to facilitate better chart accessibility in Excel.

    Common Use Cases

    • excel

      Making charts in Excel more accessible for visually impaired individuals

    • excel

      Enhancing SEO for Excel charts used in web content

    • excel

      Complying with accessibility regulations when using Excel charts in reports

    • excel

      Facilitating the understanding of chart data for users with text-based assistive technologies

    • excel

      Improving content usability in Excel charts within educational materials for individuals with disabilities

    Excel vs. Sourcetable: The Future of Data Management

    Excel, a traditional data management tool, requires manual integration. In contrast, Sourcetable, as an innovative next-gen platform, automates data consolidation, making it a more efficient solution for modern data handling. The integration of various data sources into a singular interface eliminates the complexity of manual data amalgamation.

    The distinct AI Copilot of Sourcetable is a game-changer, simplifying formula creation and templating via a user-friendly chat interface. This advanced feature helps new users adapt quickly while enhancing productivity for seasoned data analysts. Excel, meanwhile, lacks such an AI system, putting the onus of expertise on the user for high-level manipulations.

    Sourcetable's interface resembles a spreadsheet, offering a comfortable transition for those familiar with traditional models. However, its real-time, dynamic capabilities for immediate data manipulation and analysis set it apart as a more flexible and powerful alternative to Excel, notably for users seeking an automated, integrated data management solution.

    In summary, Sourcetable redefines data collection and analysis through its over 100 integrations, no-code querying, automated syncing, and intuitive visualizations. Its AI Copilot ushers in a new era of accessibility, making it the preferred option for users at all skill levels aiming for seamless high-level data manipulation.

    Effortlessly Add Alt Text to Charts with Sourcetable

    Developing accessible charts in Excel has traditionally required a manual process of adding alt text. With Sourcetable, you can streamline these tasks, making your data accessible and your workflows efficient. Leveraging AI, Sourcetable offers unparalleled ease in integrating with third-party tools and automating repetitive tasks such as alt text addition.

    Sourcetable's AI capabilities enable your team to collaborate effectively, with real-time data access and the ability to answer any data-related question. This transforms the complexity of spreadsheet management into a simple, user-friendly experience.

    Automate your spreadsheet reports and uncover deep insights with Sourcetable's AI-driven formulas. Join the future of data analysis where accessibility and efficiency are the standards. Try Sourcetable today and revolutionize the way you work with spreadsheets.

    Recommended Reading



    Try Sourcetable To Get Insights From Your Data

    Ask questions about your data in a powerful spreadsheet that your whole team knows how to use. Get unlimited access free for 14 days.


    Try out Sourcetable
    Drop CSV