Using Icon Images Without Alt Text records a distinct Microsoft Learn authoring convention and keeps it scoped to that documentation environment rather than presenting it as a universal writing rule.
ReviewedEvidence1 sourceSectionWriting & Style
Quick answer
For a Microsoft Learn decorative icon, use the image extension with `type="icon"`, specify `source`, and do not add `alt-text`.
Key details
Core Issuedecorative icon images
RegisterMicrosoft Learn technical documentation
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
This exception is for Microsoft Learn icon images that are decorative. Meaningful content images use different image types and require appropriate alternative text.
Further guidance
Content
For a Microsoft Learn decorative icon, use the image extension with `type="icon"`, specify `source`, and do not add `alt-text`.
Purpose
Keep Microsoft Learn source readable, accessible, reusable, and predictable while following current contributor-platform conventions.
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.
Markdown reference for Microsoft Learn — Contributor guide↗ (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Current Microsoft Learn contributor reference for Markdown authoring, including headings/navigation, conceptual images and icons, includes, lists/checklists, nonlocalized strings, alerts, comments, tables, and other Learn extensions.
Escaping Underscores in Microsoft Learn Image Alt Text records a distinct Microsoft Learn authoring convention and keeps it scoped to that documentation environment rather than presenting it as a universal writing rule.
Using Automatic Borders on Learn Images records a distinct Microsoft Learn authoring convention and keeps it scoped to that documentation environment rather than presenting it as a universal writing rule.
Using Complex Images With Long Descriptions records a distinct Microsoft Learn authoring convention and keeps it scoped to that documentation environment rather than presenting it as a universal writing rule.
Using Custom Link Text With Markdown-Style XRefs records a distinct Microsoft Learn XRef authoring decision and consolidates tightly coupled syntax choices so the public guide stays useful without fragmenting one task into thin pages.
Using Relative Paths for Microsoft Learn Conceptual Images records a distinct Microsoft Learn authoring convention and keeps it scoped to that documentation environment rather than presenting it as a universal writing rule.
Using Standard Conceptual Images in Microsoft Learn records a distinct Microsoft Learn authoring convention and keeps it scoped to that documentation environment rather than presenting it as a universal writing rule.
