Latest revision: 2022-01-25

An iconic picture of a chair and a symbolic picture of a wiring diagram Keep in mind that pictures in first hand are a way of communicating. Choose images that match or reinforce what you want to say, instead of chsosing what you think is pretty. Keep in mind that pictures mean different things to different people. If you choose
an image that clearly imitates real things/situations most people will interpret them in the same way, while symbolic images may be interpreted in very different ways by different people.

How to add an image from your computer

How to insert an image in Canvas. Screenshot.

You can find the text editor in Canvas' pages, discussions etc.

You can upload images from your computer in the text editor by going to the text menu's Insert > Image > Upload image
In the same way, it is possible to upload images through the icon menu. If you have already uploaded the image from before, select "Course images" instead of "Upload image"

How to upload image. Screenshot.

Click on the rocket if you want to upload the image from your computer to Canvas. It is also possible to drag and drop the image from the computer to the rocket.
Write a short description about the image. The description needs to be available for accessibility reasons and can be read out if the visitor cannot see the image. If the image is not meaningful but only decorative, you can tic the Decorative image- box.
If you want to show the image, select Embed image. If you only want to sow a link instead of an image, select the other option.
Complete by selecting Submit.

How to add images from the image archive Unsplash

How to upload image from Unsplash. Screenshot.

Instead of uploading images from you computer as described above, choose Unsplash to search for an image from the archive at the webpage unsplash.com. Type a search term (in English) to see suggestions. All images on Unsplash are free to use in the education.
Proceed with step 2-4 according to the image above.

Accessibility aspects

Accessibility checker. Screnshot.

Keep in mind that if the image is meaningful or is used to help the visitor in any way, the image needs to have a descriptive alternative text. If it is only decorative, mark it as a decorative image.

Do not use images that contain text, since they cannot be read by a screen reader and thus does not work from an accessibility perspective. If you are using a diagram with text in the image for example, the content needs to be explained outside the image as well.

You can always use the accessibility checker as help!

Rights and licenses

Do not use images from the internet if you have not been given the copyright holder's permission. There are good license systems where the copyright holder have decided if and how you are allowed to use their images and videos. Creative Commons is a good license that is used for i.a. images, but different image services uses similar licenses where you are given the right to use pictures without having to ask for permission.

Tips on how to find images

Here are links to image banks where you can find images with open licenses:

https://unsplash.com/ (The image service which is built-in in Canvas)
https://www.pexels.com/?locale=en-us (Images and videos with free license)
Search motor for Creative Commons