Writing Text Alternatives for Functional Images
Writing Text Alternatives for Functional Images is purpose-specific accessibility guidance for interactive images and stays separate from the broader figure-alt-text owner.
For a functional image used as a link or button, write the text alternative to communicate the action or destination, not merely the image’s appearance.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
This page covers images that initiate actions; informative and decorative images require different text-alternative decisions.
Further guidance
Content
Name the function or destination the image activates, such as search, print, or a homepage destination.
Practical Application
For an image that functions as a link, button, or control, write the alternative around what activating it does or where it goes. Describe appearance only when appearance itself is needed for the action.
Purpose
Users need the same functional meaning even when the image itself is not perceived.
Reader Check
If the image were replaced by a text button, what action or destination would that button need to name?
Worked Example
For a magnifying-glass image used as the submit control for a search form, use the functional alternative “Search” rather than “magnifying glass.”
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.
- Functional Images — W3C WAI Images Tutorial (opens in a new tab)World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) · W3C WAI guidance that text alternatives for functional images communicate the action or purpose rather than visual appearance.