Word inserted PNG image with Alt Text in Title field Screen reader compatibility

Word
Dec 12, 2023

Expected Result: works in a screen reader

Actual Result: causes problems in 1 screen reader / browser combinations

Code used for this test:


        <a href='Office/word-365.docx'>word-365.docx</a>
    

Change History

Last updated: December 12, 2023

  • Good VoiceOver macOS OK in VoiceOver macOS 10.13
Screen readerBrowserModeNotesWhat the user hears
OK NarratorOffice 365 - Word 16.18 Reading This is the title. Image, inline with text. Inline with text, non-selected.
OK NVDA 2017.3Office 365 - Word 16.18 Reading Graphic, this is the title
Fail JAWS 17.0.2619Office 365 - Word 16.18 Reading No indication image is present Space
OK VoiceOver macOS 10.13Office 365 - Word 16.18 Reading This is the title, inline with text, image

Test notes

All tests were carried out with screen reader factory settings. JAWS in particular has a wide variety of settings controlling exactly what gets spoken.

Screen readers allow users to interact in different modes, and can produce very different results in each mode. The modes used in these tests are:

  • Reading Content read using the “read next” command in a screen reader
  • Tabbing Content read using the “tab” key in a screen reader
  • Heading Content read using the “next heading” key in a screen reader
  • Touch Content read when touching an area of screen on a mobile device

In the “What the user hears” column:

  • Commas represent short pauses in screen reader voicing
  • Full Stops represent places where voicing stops, and the “read next” or “tab” or “next heading” command is pressed again
  • Ellipsis … represent a long pause in voicing
  • (Brackets) represent voicing that requires a keystroke to hear