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Figures (Pictures, Charts/Graphics, and Icons)

Images, charts, and icons can help explain your message—but they must be accessible. For most figures, that means adding alt text. When a caption is helpful (especially for charts/graphs), add a caption as well. If an image is only for decoration and doesn’t add information, mark it as decorative.

Alt text

Alt text is a short description that helps people who use screen readers (or who can’t see the image) understand what the figure shows. Screen readers treat images as separate elements, so the description needs to travel with the image.

Captions

Captions are visible text that appear with the figure. Captions can help all readers, and screen readers will read them as part of the document. Captions are especially useful for charts/graphs and when an image needs context.

Figure tips

  • Add alt text for any image, chart, or icon that communicates information.
  • Keep alt text short (usually 1–2 sentences).
  • Don’t start alt text with “Image of…” or “Graphic of…”.
  • Describe what matters in context (what the reader should learn from it).
  • Don’t repeat nearby text word-for-word. Add what the image contributes.
  • If an image is purely decorative (divider lines, background shapes, stock icons that add no meaning), mark it decorative so screen readers skip it.

Examples

  • Informational photo (alt text): “Students working in small groups on Chromebooks in a classroom.”
  • Chart/graph (alt text): “Bar chart showing attendance increasing from September to December, with the highest attendance in December.”
  • Decorative icon: Mark as decorative (no alt text needed).