Writing for Web Accessibility - Use Alternative and Descriptive Text

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of setting alt text to an empty string for decorative images?

Because the image does not add meaning to the content (correct)

To provide a detailed description of the image

To make the image more accessible to users with visual impairments

To ensure screen reader users can understand the image's meaning

What is the primary difference between informative and decorative images?

The level of detail in the image

The size of the image

The meaning added to the content (correct)

The color scheme of the image

What should be included in the descriptive text for an icon?

Both the icon's name and function (correct)

The icon's size and color scheme

Only the icon's name

Only the icon's function

Why is it important to consider the size of an icon?

To ensure the icon is easily seen by users with visual impairments Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended limit for alt text characters?

125 characters Signup and view all the answers

What type of image is likely to require both descriptive text and alt text?

Complex image Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal when creating alternative and descriptive text for images?

To clearly and concisely summarize the image's meaning for screen reader users Signup and view all the answers

Why is it acceptable to have varying levels of meaning in descriptive and alternative text variations?

Because learning to create effective alt and descriptive text takes time Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the descriptive text of an informative image?

Relevant information about features, functions, or tasks Signup and view all the answers

Why should images with text be avoided?

Image text can’t be read by search engines or assistive technologies Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the alt text when an image is the only thing within a link?

The destination of the link Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when an image contains only text?

Use the text alone as the alternative text Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of descriptive text?

To convey the full meaning of the image Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the alt text when an image is a link and has no link text?

The destination of the link Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when an image is used as a link and has link text?

Use an empty alt text value Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to indicate when a link will open a new browser tab?

To improve user experience Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the alt text when an image contains multiple styles of text?

The meaning provided by the image that is not described in the surrounding text Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to provide additional context in the descriptive text?

To convey the full meaning of the image Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Creating Alternative and Descriptive Text for Images

When creating alternative and descriptive text for images, focus on clearly and concisely summarizing the image's meaning for screen reader users.
Decorative images do not require alternative text, and the alt attribute should be set to an empty string (alt="").

Informative Images: Icons

Icons are informative and require descriptive text that identifies both the icon and its function.
The alt attribute should be set to an empty string to avoid redundancy.
If descriptive text is not possible, ensure the icon is clear, understandable, and has alt text that provides the icon name and function.

Informative Images: Complex Images

Images with complex details may require both descriptive text and alternative text to provide enough information.
The alt text limit is suggested to be 125 characters, and descriptive text can provide additional information.

Informative Images: User Interface Screenshots

When creating alternative and descriptive text for user interface screenshots, focus on the details relevant to the context of the surrounding information.
Include information about features, functions, or tasks in descriptive text.
Use alternative text to describe other important details about the graphic that aren't specifically task-related.

Informative Images: Images with Text

Avoid using images with text, as they can't be read by search engines or assistive technologies.
If an image with text is necessary, include all text in the image verbatim in either alternative text or descriptive text.
If the image contains only text, the text alone can be used as the alternative text.

Informative Images: Image Links

When an image is the only thing within a link, use alternative text to provide the destination of the link, not the visual contents of the image.
If there is no link text, include alternative text that provides the link destination.
Consider whether the link will open a new browser tab and provide an icon to indicate this, with alternative text such as (opens in new window).

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Description

Learn to create effective alternative and descriptive text for images, focusing on clearly summarizing the image's meaning for screen reader users.