Core Topic: Alt (alternative) Text
This guide offers essential information on writing Alt text, a critical component for web accessibility. Alt text (alternative text) is a short description tagged on images that screen readers use to convey visual content to individuals with visual impairments.
Useful Descriptions:
When writing Alt text, it's crucial to offer descriptions that are relevant to the content. Not every image detail needs to be included, especially for decorative images. However, images containing essential information must be clearly articulated in the Alt text.
Imagine an infographic displaying two payment logos. If you need to know which ones are accepted, which example would be better Alt text?
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Alt ="Payment Options" (generic)
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Alt ="Viking eTransact and PayPal accepted." (specific)
Pro Tip: Consider what you would convey if describing the image over the phone.
How to Write Alt Text for a Portrait: The Lansdowne Portrait of George Washington:
This portrait holds significance in settings such as American history courses or art history discussions, especially when analyzing themes like leadership, symbolism in art, or George Washington's historical impact.
The context in which the image is used is significant; think about why it is included, such as in a history or cultural history course. Understanding this context can influence how you craft the ALT text.
- Concise: "George Washington in the Lansdowne Portrait".
- Detailed: "George Washington standing in a black velvet suit with an outstretched hand, surrounded by columns and drapes".
- Symbolic Emphasis: "George Washington in a black velvet suit with storm clouds and a rainbow symbolizing war and peace".
How to Write Alt Text for an Artistic Sculpture: The Thinker by Auguste Rodin:
This sculpture holds significance in settings such as philosophy discussions, art history courses, or conversations about the power of human contemplation. It is often analyzed for its symbolism of intellect, self-reflection, and the creative mind.
The context in which the image is used is important—whether it’s in a philosophy class discussing deep thought or an art history lesson on Rodin’s sculpting techniques. Understanding this context helps shape the most effective ALT text.
- Concise: “Rodin’s The Thinker, a bronze sculpture of a seated man deep in thought.”
- Detailed: “A muscular bronze figure sits hunched forward, his right elbow resting on his left knee, with his chin on his hand, appearing lost in thought.”
- Symbolic Emphasis: “A seated bronze figure, head resting on hand, symbolizing deep thought, intellectual struggle, and human creativity.”
Caption vs. Alt Text:
Alt text should describe only what is visually present in the image, without adding extra details like historical context or copyright information. Captions, on the other hand, provide additional background, such as the artist, date, or symbolic meaning. Examples:
The Lansdowne Portrait of George Washington:
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Caption: "The *Lansdowne Portrait* by Gilbert Stuart, painted in 1796, portrays George Washington in his final year as president, surrounded by symbols of American democracy."
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Alt Text: "George Washington stands with an outstretched hand in the *Lansdowne Portrait*."
The Thinker by Auguste Rodin:
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Caption: "The Thinker, created by Auguste Rodin in 1904, represents deep thought and is one of the most iconic sculptures in Western art."
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Alt Text: "A bronze figure sits hunched forward, his chin resting on his hand, deep in thought."
Complex Images and Long Descriptions:
For images with rich symbolic details, a longer description may be necessary. You can provide extended descriptions in various ways to ensure accessibility:
PowerPoint:
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Speaker Notes: Add a detailed description in the notes section below the slide.
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Extra Slide: Create a follow-up slide labeled "Image Description" with a full explanation.
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Hyperlinked Document: Include a link to a Word or PDF file with an in-depth description.
Word, OneStop, Blackboard, and other Document Editors:
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Alt Text + Caption: Use alt text for a brief description and a caption for more details.
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Appendix Section: Add a dedicated section at the end of the document for detailed image descriptions.
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Tables for Infographics: Use a table to break down complex visual elements into clear text explanations.
These methods ensure that all users, including those using assistive technology, can fully understand the content.