Alternative text

Definition

Alternative text, often referred to as alt text, is a description that is added to images on websites to convey the content and function of the image for users who cannot see it. This is crucial for accessibility, as it allows visually impaired individuals using screen readers to understand what an image depicts. By providing clear and concise descriptions, alternative text enhances the overall user experience and ensures that information is accessible to all.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alternative text should be descriptive but concise, usually between 5 to 15 words, providing enough context for users to understand the image's purpose.
2. Not using alternative text can lead to accessibility violations and could prevent users from fully engaging with web content.
3. When writing alt text for decorative images that do not add information, it's best to leave the alt attribute empty (alt='') to avoid cluttering screen reader output.
4. Alternative text can also benefit SEO (Search Engine Optimization) by helping search engines understand the content of images.
5. Providing meaningful alternative text is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, as it falls under disability rights laws and regulations.

Review Questions

• How does alternative text improve the accessibility of web content for users with disabilities?
  • Alternative text enhances accessibility by providing descriptions of images for users who are visually impaired and rely on screen readers. When a screen reader encounters an image, it reads the alternative text aloud, allowing the user to grasp the context and meaning behind the image. This ensures that visually impaired individuals have equal access to information presented in visual formats, making web content more inclusive.
• Evaluate the best practices for writing effective alternative text and why they are important.
  • Effective alternative text should be descriptive, concise, and relevant to the surrounding content. Best practices include avoiding phrases like 'image of' or 'picture of,' focusing instead on what is most important about the image. These practices are crucial because they ensure that users can quickly understand the purpose of an image without unnecessary verbosity, enhancing their overall experience on the website.
• Synthesize how implementing alternative text can impact both user experience and compliance with accessibility laws.
  • Implementing alternative text not only significantly improves user experience by making visual content accessible to those with disabilities but also ensures compliance with various accessibility laws and regulations. By following guidelines such as WCAG, organizations demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity while minimizing legal risks associated with non-compliance. Overall, alternative text serves as a bridge between visual communication and accessibility needs, fostering an environment where all users can engage with digital content effectively.

Related terms

Accessibility: The practice of making products, devices, services, or environments usable for people with disabilities.

Screen Reader: A software application that converts digital text into speech, allowing visually impaired users to access and navigate digital content.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): A set of international guidelines aimed at making web content more accessible to people with disabilities.