Q. How do I create alt text for complex images?

Per WCAG guidelines 1.1 [Text Alternatives], all non-text content must also include a text alternative for users. While alternative text is usually sufficient way to describe non-text content (including images and tables), some images may be too complex to be explained via alternative text.

When an image is too complex to be contained using alternative text, the recommendation is to create a transcript fully describing the image to the user. The transcript should be located under the image in an accessible Microsoft Word or Google Doc file and should be labelled as "Transcript of [Name of Image]."

The Information Ocean is an example of a complex image which includes a transcript to describe the image.

You can learn more about alt text for complex images in UMD's LibGuides accessibility guide.