An image’s text alternative depends on what it contributes to the page. Ask what information would be missing if the image were unavailable. A product detail photograph, a decorative texture and an image used as a link serve different purposes and need different treatment.
A practical approach
Write descriptions in the context of the surrounding content. Repeating a nearby caption may add little, while omitting a meaningful detail can leave an explanation incomplete. Complex charts or diagrams may need a fuller text explanation in the page itself.
Your checklist
- Identify whether each image is informative or decorative.
- Describe the relevant information rather than the file name.
- Provide longer explanations for complex visual data.
For example
A close-up photograph showing a connector’s shape should communicate that useful detail. A decorative background behind the same product does not need a promotional sentence repeating the product name.
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