Writing Text Alternatives for Groups of Images
Writing Text Alternatives for Groups of Images records a distinct W3C-supported accessibility writing task while keeping implementation mechanics outside the writing guidance.
For image groups, decide whether the group communicates one combined message or several distinct items, then write text alternatives at the level that matches that purpose.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Do not assume every gallery is one combined image or that every icon in a composite needs a separate description; decide from the information the group communicates.
Further guidance
Content
When several images together express one fact, provide one text alternative for the combined information and avoid redundant descriptions for the rest; when each image contributes distinct information, describe each in relation to the group.
Purpose
Treating the collection according to its communicative purpose prevents both missing information and repetitive screen-reader output.
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.
- Groups of Images — W3C WAI Images Tutorial (opens in a new tab)World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) · W3C WAI guidance for text alternatives when images work as a group or as related individual images.