Create an Accessible Word Document

Creating alt text for an image is complex because the wording of the alt text depends on the purpose of the image and the surrounding context. 

Purpose

Before writing alt text, ask yourself:

• Why am I including this image?
• If I didn't have this image, what would I include to take its place?

For example, take the picture of Lucy Maud Montgomery below. The purpose of the image will be connected to the larger work it is being incorporated into:

• An article about early 1920s fashion and literary figures 
  • Alt text: Autographed portrait photo of Lucy Maude Montgomery, wearing a hat, glasses, pearl necklace, and an embroidered blouse. Her hat is set at a jaunty angle and the light source is from the upper right. She is looking directly into the camera with a slightly playful gaze.
• A banner at the top of a website, included for visually interest
  • Mark as decorative rather than including an alt text
• A biography of the author
  • Alt text: Lucy Maud Montgomery

The same image has a different purpose in each of the examples.

Context

Another important aspect of creating alt text, is to take the surround content into account when drafting it. As mentioned above, it is important to avoid redundancy and be succinct. 

When considering context, alt text should:

• Not duplicate text surrounding the image
• Be specific and unique, meaning do not duplicate alt text across multiple images.