Word and PowerPoint Use Generative AI for Image Alt Text

Microsoft is using generative AI to help create image descriptions in Word and PowerPoint. The feature can draft alternative text, or alt text, for people who use screen readers. Its value is reducing the effort of writing a first draft; the document author still needs to verify that the description communicates the image's purpose accurately.

What changed

Earlier automatic descriptions could be too broad to explain a diagram or a meaningful visual detail. Generative AI can produce richer descriptions, but more detail is not automatically better. A long description that guesses at labels or relationships can make an accessible document less reliable.

For example, a house diagram may need a description of the energy-saving design being illustrated, rather than a list of every visible object. The wording should explain the point of the diagram without inventing construction details that the image does not show.

Automatic and on-demand generation differ by device

Microsoft's AI-generated alt-text documentation distinguishes two workflows:

• Copilot+ PCs: Supported Word and PowerPoint versions can generate alt text automatically when an image is inserted, using a model on the device.
• Other devices: You request a description from the Alt Text pane or Accessibility Assistant. In that workflow, the image is sent to a Microsoft cloud model for processing.

This distinction matters when a document contains confidential images. Check your organization's policies and connected-experience settings before requesting a cloud-generated description.

Microsoft's Copilot+ PC announcement specified Microsoft 365 for Windows, Version 2512, Build 19530.20006 or later for that automatic on-device experience. Availability depends on your device, app version, and rollout; it should not be assumed for every Office edition.

Generate and review an image description

1. Select the image in Word or PowerPoint.
2. Open Picture Format > Alt Text, or right-click the image and choose View Alt Text.
3. If offered, select Generate alt text for me.
4. Compare the draft with the image and the surrounding document. Correct errors and remove details that do not help explain its purpose.
5. Approve the description using the available control, then run the Accessibility Checker to find other missing descriptions.

If the generation option is unavailable, write the description manually in the same pane.

What good alt text should convey

Keep a typical image description concise, often one or two sentences. Describe its relevant meaning rather than repeating nearby text. Mark a purely decorative border or flourish as decorative instead of forcing an unnecessary description.

Charts need particular care: verify the values and state the main relationship or takeaway, with supporting data available in the document where needed. Our Excel chart guide discusses clear presentation of data. For the wider reading order and heading structure, see how to structure a document.

AI-generated alt text addresses one accessibility task. It does not replace readable headings, adequate contrast, descriptive links, or a final review of the document or presentation.