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Informative images
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- Images that graphically represent concepts and information, typically pictures, photos, and illustrations.
- The text alternative should be at least a short description conveying the essential information presented by the image.
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Decorative images
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Provide a null text alternative (alt="") when the only purpose of an image is to add visual decoration to the page, rather than to convey information that is important to understanding the page.
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Functional images
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- The text alternative of an image used as a link or as a button should describe the functionality of the link or button rather than the visual image.
- Examples of such images are a printer icon to represent the print function or a button to submit a form.
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Images of text
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- Readable text is sometimes presented within an image. If the image is not a logo, avoid text in images.
- However, if images of text are used, the text alternative should contain the same words as in the image.
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Complex images
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- Contain substantial information, more than can be conveyed in a short phrase or sentence.
- For example, graphs and diagrams. To convey data or detailed information, provide a complete text equivalent of the data or information provided in the image as the text alternative.
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Groups of images
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If multiple images convey a single piece of information, the text alternative for one image should convey the information for the entire group.
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Image maps
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- The text alternative for an image that contains multiple clickable areas should provide an overall context for the set of links.
- Each clickable area should have alternative text that describes the purpose or destination of the link.
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