Images and Graphics

Types of Images and Graphics

Images and graphics can be used for a variety of purposes. Their alternative text should match the type of use. A distinction is made between the following types of graphics:

Informative Images

• Images that convey information and contain important content.
• Alternative Text: Alternative texts should provide essential information about the image.
• Charts: detailed image description
  • general information (title, diagram type, ...)
  • axes (arrangement, labeling, ...)
  • data (number of data series, description of rough curves, specific data values, ...).

Images of Text

• Images of text.These are not read aloud by screen readers and should therefore be avoided.
• Alternative Text: If use cannot be avoided, alternative texts should provide the exact text. For this, start with 'Image of text: '.
• Alternative text of ...
  • Screenshots: only essential content
  • Scanned Documents: exact text
  • Formulas: a written-out version of the formula ('Equation: ')

Decorative Images

• Images that do not convey any information. They are only used for decoration, such as pictures of colored areas or with patterns.
• Alternative Text: left empty

Functional Images

• Images that perform an action.For example, they contain a link that leads to another page. Logos or icons are often used for this.
• Alternative Text: description of the action performed by the image