DES 4.2 Specify full descriptions for informational images

Recommendations

• Specify the inclusion of a longer description:
  • on the same page, near the image (recommended);
  • on a separate page, linked using:
    • a normal text link to the description (recommended),
    • specify the developer uses longdesc to point to the URL - screen readers can use this code to link to the description,
    • a '[d]' link placed after the image to point to the URL (use a normal link though if possible - the use of [d] links is becoming less common and less well known).
• If providing a description on a separate page, the resulting linked page should contain all of the following:
  • a clear title;
  • an appropriate description of the complex image;
  • a link back to the original page.
• The description should convey the essential information that you are trying to provide by including the image - don't over do it if unnecessary, for example for a graph:
  • 'Trend in ...':
    • describe key aspects and trends if that is what is essential;
  • individual data points:
    • place in a table or list if the individual data points are important.

Examples