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public:nnels:etext:images:general_guidelines [2021/08/03 20:45] rachel.osolen |
public:nnels:etext:images:general_guidelines [2022/11/07 21:18] rachel.osolen [Don’t censor] |
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=======General Guidelines======= | =======General Guidelines======= | ||
- | Writing short and concise alternative text is something of an art, as the information needed from each image is not always the same. This page goes over some general guidelines of how to write image descriptions. Go back to [[public: | + | Writing short and concise alternative text is something of an art, as the information needed from each image is not always the same. This page goes over some general guidelines of how to write image descriptions. Go back to [[public: |
<note tip> | <note tip> | ||
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- | If the image is repeated, you can shorten the image description depending on the context. If the image is in a sequence, or goes over 2 pages, go to [[public: | + | If the image is repeated, you can shorten the image description depending on the context. If the image is in a sequence, or goes over 2 pages, go to [[public: |
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+ | < | ||
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+ | <note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public: | ||
=====Write with a Clear Structure===== | =====Write with a Clear Structure===== | ||
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If you removed the end sentence, it would still be a complete image description. In fact, the first sentence can be enough for an image description. This is a great example of how to go from the general to the specific in an order that makes sense to the reader. You want to walk the reader through the description and avoid any confusion. | If you removed the end sentence, it would still be a complete image description. In fact, the first sentence can be enough for an image description. This is a great example of how to go from the general to the specific in an order that makes sense to the reader. You want to walk the reader through the description and avoid any confusion. | ||
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+ | <note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public: | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Be Concise===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Use plain, simple, direct language and be precise. The description should be accessible to any reading level. For example, if you are describing a leafy tree do not use the word deciduous as it is too complex, be simple and direct and use green leafy tree. | ||
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+ | Always be culturally aware and sensitive to what you are describing. You may need to do some research to find the right words to describe a piece of clothing, or a part of a diagram, but using the right terminology will not only help you be more concise, it will also ensure you are being respectful. | ||
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+ | Avoid phrases like “image of”, “table of”, etc.. The screenreader will already pick up that it is an image or table, so writing this will be repetitive and redundant. | ||
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+ | You can mention the type of image if it fits the context of the book. If you have a book that is all black and white images, or another specific yet consistent style, you only need to provide this information in the first image description--don’t repeat it in the following images. | ||
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+ | For example, the first image’s Alt-text would read: "A black and white photograph of a teenage Asian girl looking out a window on a train." | ||
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+ | If the style changes in the book, for example all the images where photographs and then there is a newspaper clipping, state at the beginning of the image description for the newspaper clipping what it is: “A newspaper clipping with a headline that reads: “...”” For the photograph that directly precedes the newspaper clipping state it is a photograph: “A photograph of …” | ||
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+ | <note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public: | ||
=====Present Tense and Action Verbs===== | =====Present Tense and Action Verbs===== | ||
Being clear, direct, and concise is essential to a well written image description. It can also be a challenge! This is why it is recommended to use Present Tense and Active Verbs as it will help to tighten up your description and make it tick all the right boxes. Check out Grammarly’s page on [[https:// | Being clear, direct, and concise is essential to a well written image description. It can also be a challenge! This is why it is recommended to use Present Tense and Active Verbs as it will help to tighten up your description and make it tick all the right boxes. Check out Grammarly’s page on [[https:// | ||
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+ | Another way to think about it is to describe what is in the image as it is happening in real time! | ||
Grammar is very important to writing Alt-text. If your word choice and punctuation is wrong or off the screenreader will pick this up and your description will not make sense. You can not create paragraph breaks in Alt-text, so punctuation can be used to create pauses and structure. | Grammar is very important to writing Alt-text. If your word choice and punctuation is wrong or off the screenreader will pick this up and your description will not make sense. You can not create paragraph breaks in Alt-text, so punctuation can be used to create pauses and structure. | ||
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+ | <note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public: | ||
=====Be Objective===== | =====Be Objective===== | ||
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Skin tone, Age and Gender also needs to be objective. Go to [[public: | Skin tone, Age and Gender also needs to be objective. Go to [[public: | ||
- | =====Be Concise===== | + | <note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public: |
- | Use plain, simple, direct language and be precise. The description should be accessible to any reading level. For example, if you are describing a leafy tree do not use the word deciduous as it is too complex, be simple and direct and use green leafy tree. | ||
- | < | + | =====Don’t censor===== |
- | Always be culturally aware and sensitive to what you are describing. You may need to do some research | + | Remember, |
- | Avoid phrases like “image of”, “table of”, etc.. The screenreader will already pick up that it is an image or table, so writing this will be repetitive and redundant. | + | < |
- | You can mention the type of image if it fits the context of the book. If you have a book that is all black and white images, or another specific yet consistent style, you only need to provide this information in the first image description--don’t repeat it in the following images. | + | <note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public: |
- | For example, the first image’s | + | =====Average Times for Writing and Editing |
- | If the style changes in the book, for example all the images where photographs and then there is a newspaper clipping, state at the beginning | + | The following |
+ | ^Image Type ^Average Work Hours ^ | ||
+ | |Simple image | 3 minutes per image | | ||
+ | |Medium image | 20 minutes per image | | ||
+ | |Complex image | 35 minutes per image | | ||
- | =====Don’t censor===== | + | < |
- | Remember, you are creating a written description that replaces a visual image. | + | The following |
+ | ^Image Type ^Average Edit Hours ^ | ||
+ | |Simple image | 1 minutes per image | | ||
+ | |Medium image | 10 minutes per image | | ||
+ | |Complex | ||
- | < | + | < |
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+ | <note tip> | ||
+ | [[public: |