=======Alt-text Review: Do's and Don'ts=======

This page is meant as a quick review of some of the top Do's and Don't's of writing image descriptions for Alt-text. It is by no means an exhaustive list, if in doubt of anything ask on the [[public:nnels:etext:images:alt-text_q_a|Alt-text Q&A]]!

<note>Remember to review the [[public:nnels:etext:images:general_guidelines|General Guidelines]] for a deeper dive on and overview how to describe images. Please make sure to review the pages on the wiki that pertain to the image type you are describing.</note>

Let's start with the Don't's:

  * Don’t leave the filename in the alt-text. May seem obvious, but it is more common than you may realize. No one wants to hear img_66tgse34fa.jpg
  * don’t start each description by saying “An image/picture of…”. The screen reader will have already indicated that this is an image. Note that if it is something unique, like a map or a child’s drawing, that is fine to use as an introduction. But, if it’s a photo in a book with many photos, you don’t need to repeat that information.
  * don’t censor: All readers deserve access to the same information.
  * don’t include any paragraph breaks or styling in your alt-text. Alt-text can only be a string of text and punctuation. If you need more, you will need to create a long description.
  * don’t rely on Word’s automatically generated image descriptions. AI is getting better, but it is FAR from reliable. I would recommend uploading some images into a Word doc and seeing what the AI comes up with, sometimes the results are very entertaining!

Now let's cover the do's:
  * Do work from general to specific – this is the best way to start.
  * Do be clear and concise.
  * Do be objective. The reader should have the freedom for their own interpretation given all the necessary details.
  * Do state the type of image if it is unusual or out of context. We mentioned this before in the don’ts, but just wanted to reiterate!
  * Do pay attention to the context of the image. Is it well-described within the text? Then the alt-text can be simple. I say it often, and I will say it again: Context is key!
  * Do [[public:nnels:etext:images:how_to_edit_alt-text|review and edit your alt-text]]. [[public:nnels:etext:images:alt-text_q_a|Ask for help]], or use Thorium to hear a screen reader read your text.

<note tip>Go to [[public:nnels:etext:images:writing_tip_point_form|Writing Tip: Using Point Form Technique]] for a breakdown on how you can start the writing process</note>

<note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public:nnels:etext:images:alt-text_q_a|Alt-Text Q&A]]</note>

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