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Making Images and Videos Accessible in Canvas

Making Images and Videos Accessible in Canvas

This guide explains how to create accessible images and videos specifically within Canvas while meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements.

WCAG 2.1 AA Basics (What You Must Meet)

For images and videos, the most relevant success criteria are:

  • Non-text Content – Images must have text alternatives

  • Captions – Both prerecorded and live videos must have captions

  • Audio Description  – Visual information must be described

  • Images of Text – Avoid text embedded in images

Part 1: Accessible Images in Canvas

Adding Alt Text in Canvas

When inserting an image in the Canvas Rich Content Editor:

  1. Click Images → Upload Image (or embed an existing image)

  2. Open Image Options and find the Alt Text box

  3. Enter a meaningful description

Writing Good Alt Text

  • Describe the purpose of the image

  • Be concise but specific

  • Include context relevant to the page

Examples:

Good: "Bar chart showing enrollment increasing from 200 to 450 students between 2020 and 2024"

Bad: "chart"

Decorative Images

If the image adds no informational value:

  • Check the "Decorative Image" option in Canvas (or leave alt text empty)

Complex Images (Charts, Diagrams)

Canvas does not provide built-in long descriptions, so add a text explanation directly below the image, or provide a linked document or table with the same data

Avoid Images of Text

Instead of uploading text-heavy graphics, use Canvas text formatting tools. If unavoidable, replicate the text in surrounding content

Part 2: Accessible Video in Canvas

Uploading Videos to Canvas

Videos are often embedded via:

  • Canvas Studio

  • External tools (YouTube, Vimeo, Panopto, etc.)

Regardless of source, accessibility requirements still apply.

Captions (Required)

In Canvas Studio:

  1. Upload or record your video

  2. Click Video Options and go to the Caption Manager section

  3. Request auto-captions in the language being spoken

  4. Edit captions for accuracy (this step is critical for compliance)

Key requirements:

  • Must be synchronized

  • Must include speaker identification when relevant

  • Must include meaningful sounds (e.g., "[applause]")

Live Video (Zoom, etc.)

For live sessions embedded or linked in Canvas, enable live captions (Zoom auto-captioning or CART services)

Audio Descriptions

If important visual information is not spoken, add narration describing it, OR provide a separate described version

Transcripts

Provide a full transcript when possible. Paste below the video, or link to a transcript document

Avoid Auto-Play

Do not embed videos that auto-play with sound. Ensure users can pause/stop playback.

Part 3: Accessible Media Players in Canvas

Canvas generally uses accessible players (e.g., Studio), but you must ensure:

  • Controls are visible and labeled

  • Videos are keyboard operable

  • Embedded third-party players meet accessibility standards (like YouTube, for example)

Avoid:

  • Custom players without keyboard support

  • Videos with inaccessible controls

Part 4: Testing Accessibility in Canvas

Built-in Canvas Accessibility Checker

Use the Accessibility Checker in the editor:

  • Flags missing alt text

  • Identifies contrast issues

  • Suggests fixes

You can also use the Ally Course Accessibility Report for a more in-depth look at your course as a whole.

Manual Testing

  • Navigate content using only a keyboard (Tab, Enter, Space)

  • Use a screen reader (VoiceOver, NVDA)

  • Watch videos with captions enabled

Common Mistakes in Canvas Courses

  1. Uploading images without alt text

  2. Using screenshots of text instead of real text

  3. Relying on auto-captions without editing

  4. Embedding videos without captions

  5. Providing charts without explanations

Practical Checklist

Images

  • All images include meaningful alt text

  • Decorative images marked correctly

  • Complex visuals explained in text

  • No essential text embedded in images

Videos

  • Accurate captions provided

  • Live sessions include captions

  • Visual content is described

  • Transcript available when possible

  • No auto-play with sound

Key Takeaway

Accessibility in Canvas is less about technical complexity and more about consistent habits: always describe visuals, always caption video, and always provide equivalent text alternatives. Following these steps ensures your course meets WCAG 2.1 Level AA and is usable by all learners.