Alternative Text

Alternative text must give an accurate description of what the item is, so that if a screen reader or refreshable braille display is used, the “Alt tag” will convey the text alternative of the image.

To add alternative text

HTML Code

<img src=”stherland.jpg” alt=”bird’s eye view of Sutherland campus, Fleming College” width=”300″ height=”175″ />

Using Affinity

1. First to add an image to the page, either select “Add Media” button or Insert > Media from the menu.
2. A new window will  open to select an image that has been already uploaded or upload an image for use.
3. Once an image is selected, enter the alternate text in the “Alt Text” field.

 

How to Create Good Alternate Text

• Consider the content and function of your image.
• If it provides content to your document, make sure that the information the image provides is described in the alt text.
• If your image only provides a function (for example, providing a portrait of a historical figure described in the text) you need only describe the image. In the case that the image is of a historical figure, write his/her name as the alt text.
• Try not to use “Image of…” or “Graphic of…” as alt text. That is usually evident to the person reading the alt text.
• Do not repeat the information which is contained in the document itself into the alt text. If it’s already in the document, that should be enough.
• Images used for decoration e.g. a bullet or spacer should have an empty Alt tag i.e. alt=””