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Basic Principles of Writing Alt Text

  • Be concise but descriptive: The alt text should be brief, typically under 125 characters, but still convey the key information or purpose of the image.
  • Focus on the function: Describe the content or purpose of the image. If the image serves a decorative purpose (like a background or icon), it can be marked as null (empty) alt text (alt="").
  • Use plain language: Avoid jargon and complex language. Use simple, clear words that most people can understand.
  • Don't repeat information already in the text: If the image's content is described in the text nearby, don’t duplicate that information in the alt text.

Alt Text for Graphs and Charts

Key Points:

  • Focus on the data and trends, not the visual aspects (e.g., colors or design).
  • Include the axis labels and what they represent.
  • Describe the key trends or patterns shown in the graph/chart.
  • If possible, include the units of measurement and legend/key if it’s a complex chart.

Example for a Bar Graph:

Bar graph showing an increase in student enrollment from 3,000 in 2020 to 5,200 in 2024.

Alt Text: "Bar graph showing an increase in student enrollment from 3,000 in 2020 to 5,200 in 2024."

Example for a Line Chart:

Line chart showing revenue fluctuations for Q1 2024, starting at $50K in January, peaking at $70K in February, and ending at $55K in March.

Alt Text: "Line chart showing revenue fluctuations for Q1 2024, starting at $50K in January, peaking at $70K in February, and ending at $55K in March."

Alt Text for Medical Images

Key Points:

  • Describe the relevant features of the image, including anatomy, medical conditions, or procedures depicted.
  • Use appropriate medical terminology where necessary but ensure the text is still understandable.
  • Focus on specifics: Identify organs, areas of concern (e.g., injury, infection), and other relevant details.

Example for an X-ray Image:

X-ray showing a displaced fracture of the left femur just above the knee joint.

Alt Text: "X-ray showing a displaced fracture of the left femur just above the knee joint."

Example for a Medical Diagram of the Heart:

A.I. Generated image: Medical diagram of the human heart showing the four chambers and blood flow. Oxygenated blood enters the left atrium from the lungs.

Alt Text: "Medical diagram of the human heart showing the four chambers and blood flow. Oxygenated blood enters the left atrium from the lungs."

Alt Text for Infographics

Key Points:

  • Describe the overall topic and what it’s meant to convey.
  • Identify and summarize key points or sections in the infographic.

Example for an Infographic:

A.I. Generated image: Infographic on reducing energy consumption at home. Steps include switching to LED bulbs, using smart thermostats, and sealing windows, with a bar chart showing energy savings.

Alt Text: "Infographic on reducing energy consumption at home. Steps include switching to LED bulbs, using smart thermostats, and sealing windows, with a bar chart showing energy savings."

Alt Text for Complex Diagrams or Flowcharts

Key Points:

  • Describe the structure: Outline the flow or relationship between different components or steps.
  • Summarize important connections or outcomes.

Example for a Flowchart:

A.I. Generated image: Alt Text: Flowchart outlining the process to resolve customer complaints, from receiving the complaint to resolving it and sending a satisfaction survey.

Alt Text: "Flowchart outlining the process to resolve customer complaints, from receiving the complaint to resolving it and sending a satisfaction survey."

    Alt Text for Tables

    Key Points:

    • Summarize the key data presented in the table.
    • Provide context for what the data shows (e.g., trends, comparisons).

    Example for a Table:

    A.I. Generated image: Table comparing the sales of Products A, B, and C across four quarters in 2024. Product A had the highest sales in Q1 and Q2, while Product B performed better in Q3 and Q4.

    Alt Text: "Table comparing the sales of Products A, B, and C across four quarters in 2024. Product A had the highest sales in Q1 and Q2, while Product B performed better in Q3 and Q4."

    ADA Compliance

    University of Kansas Medical Center
    ADA Compliance Office
    3901 Rainbow Boulevard
    Mailstop 7004
    Kansas City, KS 66160
    Phone: 913-574-2842
    Fax: 913-588-1224
    ada-kumc@kumc.edu