How to Add Alt Text to Images in Canva: Enhancing Accessibility and SEO

Samantha Markey
May 13, 2024

Let’s talk about a simple but super-effective way to level up your content game. Canva’s Alternative Text (Alt Text) feature isn’t just for accessibility (though that’s awesome on its own)—it’s a secret weapon for SEO that helps your visuals work harder, both on and off social media.

Making your visual content accessible and SEO-friendly is essential in today’s digital landscape. Alt text plays a key role by making images understandable to visually impaired users and search engines. Here’s how to add and test alt text in Canva to maximize its potential:

Why Add Alt Text?

  • Accessibility: Helps visually impaired users "see" your images through screen readers.

  • SEO Benefits: Proper descriptions boost search engine indexing, increasing discoverability.

  • Backup Text: Ensures your message gets through, even if images don’t load.

  • Social Media Optimization: Enhances visibility within platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.

  • Detailed Context: Explains complex visuals like infographics or charts.

How to Nail Alt Text in Canva

  1. Write SEO-Savvy Alt Text:

    • Be concise (around 125 characters).

    • Use natural keywords, e.g., “Bright yellow desk with a planner, coffee cup, and laptop for a productive workspace.”

    • Think about what your audience would search to find this image.

  2. Add Alt Text in Canva:
    Step 1: Open your design and select the image.
    Step 2: Click the more options icon (three dots or a gear).
    Step 3: Choose Alternative Text from the dropdown.
    Step 4: Enter a concise, descriptive text that includes relevant keywords.
    Step 5: Save your changes.

OPTIONAL: Test Your Alt Text Effectiveness

  1. Using Screen Readers:

    • Windows: Press Ctrl + Win + Enter to launch Narrator.

    • Mac: Press Cmd + F5 to activate VoiceOver.

    • Navigate to your image and listen to the description. Ensure it’s clear, accurate, and contextual.

  2. Inspect Element:

    • Use your browser’s developer tools to verify the alt attribute and ensure your text is correctly applied.

Alt text isn’t just an SEO boost—it’s a way to create inclusive content for everyone. Adding it is quick, but the benefits—improved discoverability and accessibility—are huge.

Let’s keep creating content that connects and engages! By starting with these simple steps in Canva, you’re making your visuals both impactful and accessible.

Double Your Impact with Strategy

Repost your optimized designs across platforms and watch your reach grow. You’re not just creating visuals—you’re building content that’s easy to find, share, and love.

Let’s keep building and boosting together! You’ve got this! 💪

Like