Images

Text Alternatives

Images and other visual elements need a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose. This means all content that requires the sense of sight to be perceived needs a text alternative.

Learn more about 1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A)

Equivalent Alternative Text for Images

Describe what the image is contributing to the content of the page, typically by describing what you see.

Tips for Writing Equivalent Alt Text

• Be specific
• Be mindful of context
• Keep it short
• Aim for <125 characters
• Don’t include “picture of,” “image of,” etc.

Alt text is different from captions (such as those available in the Aggie UX captioned media component). Alt text should provide information that would be available for a sighted person by simply looking at the image, whereas a caption can provide additional context.

Learn more about writing effective alt text

Images of Text

Don’t use images of text on your website except where absolutely necessary or for branding purposes, e.g., your logo. If images of text must be used, they must have a textual alternative that provides equivalent information.

The biggest offenders we tend to see on Texas A&M websites include:

• Flyers promoting events added as images
• Graphics to promote events

The more words included in an image of text, the more difficult it is to provide an accessible alternative.

Learn more about 1.4.5 Images of Text (Level AA)

Why can’t I use images of text?

• Text in an image cannot reflow or resize to be legible on small screens
• Images of text (JPGs, PNGs, etc.) cannot be enlarged without becoming blurry
• Screen readers cannot read content inside of an image and rely on the alt text, which is read as one run-on sentence