Alternative Text

Issue/Question

Title II ADA Compliance: Alternative Text

Why is it Important?

  • Conveys essential visual information to users who cannot see images.
  • Supports screen reader interpretation.
  • Improves search engine optimization and content accessibility.

Environment

  • Use alt text for all images, icons, charts and graphics in documents, presentations, emails, and web content.

Cause

Title II ADA Compliance

Resolution

How To Use It

In Word or PowerPoint: Right-click the image and select Edit Alt Text.

In Web content: Use the alt attribute in HTML or CMS image settings.

Alternative Text Best Practices
  1. Be concise but descriptive: Aim for one to two sentences that describe the essential content and purpose of the image.
  2. Avoid "Image of" or "picture of." Screen readers already announce that it is an image.
  3. Include meaningful details: Focus on what is relevant to context (e.g. expressions, actions, layout, etc.).
  4. Do not describe decorative images: use empty alt text (alt="") for purely decorative visuals. Mark as decorative when that option is available.
  5. Use punctuation: It helps screen readers pause appropriately.
  6. Match the context: Tailor the description to what the image is meant to convey in your document or webpage.

For additional assistance in writing alt text or if you would prefer to have the alt text generated for you, search free alt text writers on your search engine. Be sure to read through generated Alternative text to ensure the description matches the purpose of the image.

Example

For an image of a group of cute animals, use alternative text like:

  1. "Rabbit, kitten, puppy, and parrot lines up facing forward."
  2. "A lineup of four animals against a white background: a light brown rabbit, a gray tabby kitten with black stripes, a corgi puppy with its tongue out, and a green parrot with red and yellow wing markings, All animals are facing forward."

Rabbit, kitten, puppy, and parrot lined up facing forward. Demonstrating how to use alt text.

Tips for Checking Accessibility

Use the Accessibility Checker (Review > Check Accessibility) in Microsoft Office and (All Tools > Prepare for Accessibility > Check for Accessibility) in Adobe Acrobat to identify missing alt text. For web content, use tools like Siteimprove to scan for missing or empty alt attributes.

For additional information visit the links below:

Authoring Meaningful Alternative Text

Digital Accessibility Fundamentals: Alternative Text

What is Alternative Text?

Writing Effective Image Descriptions or "Alt Text"

Everything you need to know to write effective alt text

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