Make Images Accessible

Why Make Images Accessible?

The phrase, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’, expresses how an image can convey something even better than words.  For those who rely on screen readers, descriptions added to the images are needed.

There are several ways to add descriptions to images to make them accessible. The two most popular are alternative text and a long description. The guides below will help you explain an image with text and decipher which option works best for what type of image.

Learn more about creating accessible content by attending the Proactive Accessibility Certification Workshop Series.

Making Images Accessible: What Doesn't Work

The following list is comprised of the most common issues that make images inaccessible and quick steps for how to avoid them:

• Providing images with little to no context; images without context can be difficult to perceive for many users.
  • Instead: create context with captions and titles to better introduce the image
• Relying on auto generated alternative text; some programs will generate alt-text that is often inaccessible
  • Instead: manually add alternative text to ensure accuracy
• Using color as the sole indicator; colors are not perceived in the same way by all and should be supported
  • Instead: use patterns and other visual cues to indicate meaning
• Including complex images without extended description; images like infographics convey a lot of information that is inaccessible to screen readers
  • Instead: add textual description of the image that conveys entire value of the image
• Including pixelated images; when images are “stretched” they become pixelated making them more difficult to view.
  • Instead: resize the image in an appropriate program before adding it to the content

Dig Deeper with these Additional Resources (external links)

• Visit the NCAM: Effective Practices for Description of Science Content for more information on accessible images in STEM.
• Visit WebAIM: Accessible Images for general information on making images more accessible.
• Visit WAI: Images Tutorial for more resources on creating accessible images.