[pt: use alt text responsibly /end pt]
A guide on what alt text is and how to use it! This guide is geared for those new to writing alt text, or for those who have been doing so for a while, but still need a little extra help. This is also geared towards describing flags, but can be used as a guide for describing most images
[pt: The mechanics /end pt]
Alt text is an (optional, but highly encouraged) accessibility feature that allows you to describe your images for the blind and the visually impaired. This allows your blind and visually impaired viewers to better understand the contents of your post.
Some blind people use screenreaders (as well as other accessibility features) to navigate their phones, which will read alt text. Visually impaired people may also use screenreaders, depending on what their visual impairment is.
Because blind people and visually impaired people may not be able to fully see or look at the images. Screenreaders can't actually read the contents of images, so we have to describe them.
Where is alt text located?
Alt text is attached to an image. On tumblr, you may locate it by clicking the little "alt" square that appears on images with alt text. If you use a screenreader, it will automatically read alt text out by scanning the image. You can add alt text to an image by pressing the meatballs menu.
[pt: how to write alt text /end pt]
If you're not sure what to describe in alt text, that's okay. I'm here to help you!
Generally, what you need to describe will be the subject of the photo, what it looks like, what the subject is doing, what it's wearing (if it is wearing clothing,) and briefly, what the surrounding environment is. You may also describe anything else if it offers context necessary to the post. Here's an example:
Here's a few more; this time, for flags!
(source; source; source; thank you to @rwuffles, @daybreakthing, and @the-astropaws for letting me use their flags and descriptions!)
Here's a post with some more advice; it really helps simplify how to describe images! I highly recommend looking at it (link.)
[pt: Dos and Don'ts /end pt]
Describe the contents of the image as accurately as possible.
Be exact and concise. There's no need for flowery language.
Purposefully describe the image in a way that is innacurate.¹
Make it unnecessarily long. You do not have to describe every minute detail; most times, simple is better.
Use color descriptors that are obscure.²
¹This includes writing a description for an image that's not there, using it for jokes, using it to credit the source of an image, using it as an "about me," etcetera. This purposefully misleads blind and visually impaired people.
If you're going to do this, at least write in the post "this image description isn't accurate." No, putting "this blog isn't screenreader friendly" in your bio means nothing, it has to be in the post (if you're publicly tagging it.) While it's preferable you don't do this at all, at least signal that you're doing so.
²This includes hex codes. Someone is less likely to know what "#c75f6d" or what "dusky rose" looks like. However, they will probably be able to visualize "a dull, reddish pink."
[pt: I'm still confused /end pt]
Don't worry! People don't seem to realize this, but alt text is a skill like any other. And just like with other skills, practice goes a long way. If you're only just starting to write alt text, it's okay if you don't know where to start!
Here's a secret: everyone has a different way of witting alt text. People have different methods of writing, whether in books, texting, or even alt text. It's a good idea to study how other people write alt text and find a way that works best for you.
You can also practice describing random images! It might feel silly, but it can help you figure out how you want to word things and what to describe. You can also get a feel for how you want to write.
If all else fails, there are always image description blogs; like @/accessibilitea, for example. You can also ask a friend for help.
Oh, and here's a heads up: as long as you're describing an image as accurately and cohesively as possible, it's a good image description. Also, something is better than nothing.
try imaging you're describing the image to a friend
colorpick the image if you dont know what a color is
use image description templates for flags
I'd appreciate a reblog, but don't feel forced to give me one :]
; tagging . . @radiomogai; @noxwithoutstars; @daybreakthing; @flutteringwings-coining; @rwuffles; @scr-ppup; @smilepilled; @the-astropaws; @somniabyte; @icwdtea; @local-maneater
