Published lesson · 30 minutes

Write useful text alternatives for images

Objective: Choose image alternatives that communicate the purpose of an image without repeating nearby text or exposing private information.

The core idea

This lesson introduces write useful text alternatives for images. Choose image alternatives that communicate the purpose of an image without repeating nearby text or exposing private information. Begin with one small goal and make sure the result serves a real visitor or collaborator. The examples use fictional community information, so they can be adapted without exposing anyone’s private details.

The key idea is this: Alternative text is a replacement for information carried by an image. Decorative images can use an empty alternative so assistive technology can skip them. Images that act as links need text that explains the link destination or action. Keep that idea separate from visual decoration or tool-specific habits. When you can explain why a choice helps the intended task, it becomes easier to review the result and to choose a different approach when the situation changes.

Put it into practice

Apply it to this situation: A poster image for a fictional clinic may contain a date and venue. If the same facts already appear in text beside it, avoid making visitors hear them twice. If an image is the only way to reach a destination, describe that destination. Start with the smallest useful change. Inspect what changed, describe what you expected to happen and compare the result with the goal. This makes practice possible on a shared device or with limited connectivity.

Watch out for this: Writing “image of” before every description rarely adds meaning. Copying visible text twice creates repetition, while guessing at a person’s identity or role can introduce private or inaccurate claims. If something does not work, return to one known-good version and change one detail at a time. Do not include real names, contact details, passwords or access keys in examples, screenshots or shared project history.

Review your work before moving on. Ask what information a person would miss if the image were unavailable. Include only that information, keep it concise, and check whether nearby text already communicates the same thing. A useful explanation names the audience, the decision and one check. Keep a short record of remaining questions so a facilitator or another learner can help without guessing what happened.

  • Name the task and audience before editing.
  • Make one focused change and inspect it.
  • Record one thing to improve or confirm next.

Worked examples

Write useful text alternatives for images: a small example

See how write useful text alternatives for images supports a clear, inclusive community web task.

index.html

<a href="/repair-day"><img src="repair-day.png" alt="Read details for the Saturday repair day"></a>
<img src="orange-divider.png" alt="">

Practice tasks

  1. Explore the example

    Explore the write useful text alternatives for images example. Change one small detail for a different fictional community situation, then explain what you expected and how you checked it.

  2. Build a focused result

    Create a small result that demonstrates this objective: Choose image alternatives that communicate the purpose of an image without repeating nearby text or exposing private information. Keep the information fictional and explain one limitation that a future version should address.

  3. Review and explain your decision

    Review your write useful text alternatives for images result from another person's point of view. Name one strength, one exact uncertainty and a change that would make the result clearer or safer.

Write useful text alternatives for images is easier to learn when you name the goal, make one focused change and check the result with the people who need to use it.

Course overview