- Use clear language: Write in straightforward and concise language to ensure that the content is understandable to a broad audience, including non-native speakers and individuals with cognitive disabilities.
- Structuring content: Organize the manuscript with clear headings and subheadings to improve navigation for all readers, including those using screen readers. Headings should be organized in a specific order, starting withA_05JKA_WEBPACCESS_600x340px heading level 1 (H1), then heading level 2 (H2), followed by heading level 3 (H3), and continuing in sequence. You can use the same heading level more than once, but make sure not to jump over any levels.
- Descriptive Alt Text: Provide descriptive alternative text for images, charts, and graphs so that screen readers can convey the information to readers who cannot see the image e.g. readers using a screen reader. (add some sort of click button to jump to extra explanation on Alt Text on the page).
- Color contrast: Images should have sufficient contrast between text and background colors so they can be easily discernible by users with visual impairments. Also, ensure images are clear and not blurry or pixelated. To meet basic accessibility standards, text and background should have a contrast of at least 3.00. This means the difference between the text color and the background color should be at least 4.5:1. There are several tools available online that can help you check the color contrast of your images, such as the WebAIM Contrast Checker.
- Avoid text in images: Whenever possible, avoid embedding important text within images. Text in images can be challenging for assistive technologies to interpret. If text in an image is unavoidable, ensure the text is included in the Alt Text.
- Accessible tables: Use simple table structures with clear headers and avoid merging cells, which can complicate navigation for screen reader users.
- Use of captions and descriptions: Use the captions and provide longer image descriptions in the main text where necessary, particularly for complex images like charts or diagrams. These can offer more detailed information that might not fit into Alt Text.
- Hyperlinks: Use descriptive link texts that clearly indicate where the link leads rather than generic phrases like "click here."
Alternative text (Alt Text)
Alt Text (alternative text) is a written description of an image that conveys its meaning. It is different to a caption, which typically provides information that is not already in the visual element itself.. Alt Text is an important part of making published content more accessible.
- Alt Text supports readers with visual impairments who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers.
- Alt Text can describe images when they cannot be displayed e.g. where a poor internet connection affects how the book is downloaded.
- Alt Text also helps search engines understand and index your images, making your research more discoverable.
Here is an example of how Alt Text is used:
Tips for writing good Alt Text
- Be descriptive and specific: Clearly describe the content and purpose of the image. This helps users understand the image as if they were viewing it.
- Keep it concise: Aim for a brief description, typically no more than a couple of sentences. Conciseness helps screen reader users navigate content efficiently.
- Convey meaning and context: Include any information necessary to understand the image in context. What is important about this image in the scope of the document or webpage? Avoid repeating information already given in the caption or main text.
- Avoid redundancy: Don't use phrases like "image of" or "picture of," as screen readers announce an image automatically.
- Focus on key details: Highlight significant elements that contribute to the content's meaning, especially for complex images like graphs or diagrams.
- Do not use text from the image: If the image includes important text, ensure it is integrated into the Alt Text or elsewhere in the document.
- Skip decorative images: If an image is purely decorative and adds no informational value (i.e. no important information is lost if the reader cannot see the image), it can be marked as such. This means that it won’t get described by screen readers.
- Math equations: Describe the equation in a logical order, similar to how you would read it aloud. For example, "E equals m c squared" for Einstein's equation (E=mc^2).
- Chemical structures: Alt Text should be concise. For complex equations or structures, consider including an extended description elsewhere in the main text or in the caption. In some digital formats, interactive elements such as tooltips or links to detailed descriptions or explanations can enhance understanding.
To support our authors in creating Alt Text, Springer Nature has developed the Alternative Text Assistant Tool. This tool is easy to use and will give authors a head start in writing Alt Text for their images.
In a few simple steps, the Tool generates Alt Text which authors can review and edit before submitting it with the final manuscript.
For further guidance, refer to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.
More tips on how to write good Alt Text.
