1.1 L1 SC2: For all non-text content that is used to convey information, text alternatives convey the same information.

Text alternatives for non-text content that conveys information

This technique relates to the following sections of the guidelines:





  • consider the non-text content both from

    • the content provider’s point of view and

    • from the user’s point of view.



  1. to identify the non-text item and

  2. to describe it or provide the information it conveys.


  • A photograph of an historic event. A photograph of two world leaders shaking hands accompanies a news story about an international summit meeting. The text alternative says, “President X of Country X shakes hands with Prime Minister Y of country Y.”

  • The same image used in a different context with additional text alternative. The image of the president shaking hands with the prime minister appears on a Web site discussing intricate diplomatic relationships. The first text alternative reads, “President X of country X shakes hands with Prime Minister Y of country Y on January 2, 2009.” An additional text alternative describes the room where the leaders are standing, the expressions on the leaders' faces, and identifies the other people in the room.

    The additional description might be included on the same page as the photograph or in a separate file associated with the image through a link or other standard programmatic mechanism.

    An audio recording. The Web page described in the previous example includes a link to an audio recording of the leaders' press conference. The page also links to a text transcript of the press conference. The transcript includes a verbatim record of everything the speakers say. It identifies who is speaking as well as noting other significant sounds that are part of the recording, such as applause, laughter, questions from the audience, and so on.

    Editorial Note: Further discussion and examples are needed for real-time silent video such as webcams.