Best practices for writing alt text (acronym = B.E.N.D.)
When you're creating alt text, it can help to remember the acronym B.E.N.D., which stands for Brief, Essential, Necessary, and Decorative.
- Brief: Be concise (125 characters or fewer) but descriptive. Alt text should quickly convey the content of an image without unnecessary distractions.
- Essential: Include essential details that provide meaning. (Imagine how you would describe the photo to someone over the phone.) Standard punctuation is also essential, because it helps screen readers know how to inflect.
- Necessary: Avoid saying "image of" or "picture of" — screen readers already announce this.
- Decorative: If an image is decorative and conveys no important information, mark it as decorative in your platform settings.
By adding thoughtful alt text, you help create Access for All. Because at Durango School District, it's the way we do things!