Figure Captions
Figure captions are visible text that briefly describes or contextualizes an image. They are distinct from titles/figure numbers and from alt text, even though the elements should work together without unnecessary repetition.
Use a concise visible caption to describe or contextualize a figure when it helps readers connect the image to the surrounding content; do not make the caption do the job of alt text or a figure title.
Key details
Important caveats
Accessibility Boundary
Keep caption and alt text roles distinct: a visible caption can support context, while alt text provides the image information needed by users who cannot access it visually.
Structure Boundary
Associate the caption with the figure using the platform’s semantic or document feature where available; in HTML, the Style Manual example uses figcaption.
Further guidance
Practical Application
Use a visible caption when readers benefit from a short description, context, commentary, or attribution tied to the figure. Keep it distinct from the figure title and from alt text, and associate it semantically with the figure where the publishing system supports that structure.
Purpose
Use a caption for a brief description, commentary, attribution, or other context that helps readers understand the figure in relation to the text.
Reader Check
Does the caption add useful visible context without merely duplicating the title or forcing sighted-caption text to carry information that belongs in the text alternative?
Worked Example
Under a photograph used in a report, write a concise caption explaining the scene’s relevance to the discussion, while the alt text supplies the essential visual information needed by a nonvisual reader.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Alt text, captions and titles for images (opens in a new tab)Australian Government Style Manual · Distinct purposes of image/figure titles, captions and alt text; figure numbering in long-form content; caption/alt accessibility boundaries