What is Alt Text?
Alt text, short for alternative text, is a written description of an image. These written descriptions are used:
- by screen readers and other assistive technologies,
- when searching for text in annotations,
- When exporting annotation data for your records.
By adding alt text, you’re ensuring that all users reading your image annotations know exactly what you’re talking about.
Alt Text vs Annotation Text
While annotation text is meant to provide context, insights, or commentary about a portion of an image, alt text serves as a description of what’s being displayed. Think of it like this: annotation text is your interpretation of the image, while alt text is a factual description.
How to Write Good Alt Text
When writing alt text, keep in mind that it should be concise, clear, and accurate. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Write about your selection: Make sure to communicate about the part of the image you’re selecting, not the whole image itself.
- Focus on key elements: Identify the most important features or objects in your selected area and describe them accurately. Avoid summarizing the entire selection.
- Keep it short: Aim for 1-2 sentences that capture the essence of your selected area. Hypothesis supports up to 250 characters in our Alt Text.
Remember, good alt text is not just about describing what’s in an image – it’s also about helping users understand its significance. By following these tips and best practices, you’ll be creating a more inclusive experience for all users!
Here are a few examples of good alt text:
- “A domesticated cat with gray fur, white paws, and bright green eyes.”
- “An illustration showing the boundaries between two countries, including major cities.“