Writing Descriptions for Data Visualizations
Writing Descriptions for Data Visualizations specializes the existing complex-image evidence for charts and graphs without duplicating the separate functional-image text-alternative guide.
For a chart or graph, write a concise identification plus a text description that communicates the essential data, relationships, or trends the visualization is meant to convey.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
This page covers content for chart and graph descriptions; decorative images, functional-image labels, and implementation techniques have separate guidance.
Further guidance
Content
Identify the chart or graph briefly, then provide the essential relationships, values, or trends in a textual description that serves the same purpose.
Purpose
A useful description gives people who cannot see the visualization access to the information needed to understand it.
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.
- Complex Images — W3C WAI Images Tutorial (opens in a new tab)W3C Web Accessibility Initiative · Accessible text alternatives for complex images such as graphs and charts, including short identification plus fuller description