Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of using alt text for images?
What is the primary purpose of using alt text for images?
Using empty alt text is always appropriate for decorative images.
Using empty alt text is always appropriate for decorative images.
True
What should the alt text describe for an image that is a button?
What should the alt text describe for an image that is a button?
The function of the button, such as 'Search', 'Submit', or 'Register'.
If an image does not convey important content when removed, its alt text can be set to __________.
If an image does not convey important content when removed, its alt text can be set to __________.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the image type with the appropriate alt text usage:
Match the image type with the appropriate alt text usage:
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of alternative text for images on web pages?
What is the purpose of alternative text for images on web pages?
Signup and view all the answers
It is acceptable to use an empty alt attribute for an image that conveys important content.
It is acceptable to use an empty alt attribute for an image that conveys important content.
Signup and view all the answers
What should be included in the alt text of an image if it conveys specific content, such as a person's achievements?
What should be included in the alt text of an image if it conveys specific content, such as a person's achievements?
Signup and view all the answers
The recommended alt text for an image of Ellen Ochoa is __________.
The recommended alt text for an image of Ellen Ochoa is __________.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following descriptions with the appropriate alt text options:
Match the following descriptions with the appropriate alt text options:
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Alternative Text Best Practices for Images
- Purpose of Alt Text: Alt text clarifies image content and function for users with visual impairments. Algorithms alone can't grasp image meaning, so alt text is needed.
- Image Function: An image only functions when linked or within a map/form element.
-
Content vs. Function:
- If the image's content is described in text already, a simple
alt=""might suffice. - Linked images (with no surrounding text describing their function): alt text must explain the image's role within the link.
- Decorative images, without additional content:
alt=""is the correct choice. Remove the visual and define in CSS.
- If the image's content is described in text already, a simple
- Redundancy Avoidance: Don't duplicate information already given in surrounding text or in a linked description.
- Image Content Description: Alt text should accurately depict what the image conveys, staying concise but comprehensive.
- Complex Images (Charts, Maps): Provide equivalent alternative descriptions (e.g., data table, separate page).
- Image Buttons & Client-Side Maps: Alt text for buttons should describe button action (e.g., "Submit," "Search"). For client-side image maps: main image's alt describes overall content; each hotspot's "alt" attributes provide its specific function.
-
Logos: Use the company name (e.g.,
alt="Acme Company") for logos and avoid excessive descriptions likealt="Acme Company logo linked to Homepage". -
Deprecated Attributes: Avoid using the
longdescattribute.
Best Alt Text Examples
-
Example 1 (Ellen Ochoa):
alt="Astronaut Ellen Ochoa" -
Example 2 (Linked Ellen Ochoa Image):
alt="Astronaut Ellen Ochoa" -
Example 3 (PDF Icon):
alt="PDF"or, if needed,alt="Download the employment application in PDF format" -
Example 6 (Decorative Image):
alt="" -
Example 7 (Painting of George Washington):
alt="Painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware River"
Additional Considerations
- User Testing: Testing with and without a screen reader can inform alt text creation.
- Screen Reader Reading: Expect screen readers to read images/link combinations and related text; redundancy may enhance understanding.
-
Empty Alt: In some cases
alt=""is the only option to avoid redundancy, or if visuals are purely decorative. - Alternatives to Images (Text): Replace rasterized text with true text, styled with CSS, where possible.
- Content vs. Decoration (Separate Images): For decorative images, remove them from the document flow, and define visuals via CSS background images.
- Alternative Descriptions to Complex Visuals: If an alternative description (like an adjoining data table or a linked separate description page) can describe a chart, graph, or map, use the appropriate alternative.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers the essential practices for writing effective alt text for images. Learn about the purposes of alt text, how to differentiate between content and function, and guidelines for complex images. Enhance accessibility by understanding when and how to use alt text appropriately.
