7.2 Provide full descriptions for informational images

Recommendations

Complex images like charts, diagrams and graphs need more description than an alt attribute alone can reasonably display.

• Add a longer description:
  • On the same page, near the image
  • On a separate page:
    • Use normal text link to the description
    • Use a '[d]' link placed after the image to point to the URL
    • Use longdesc to point to the URL (may not be supported by all browsers)
• The resulting page should contain:
• Title
• Description of the complex image
• Link back to the original page (optional but good)
• Description should convey the essential information that the image is trying to provide - don't over do it if unnecessary:
  • 'Trend in ...'
  • Individual data points

Added bonus: Descriptions assist all potential users to extract the essential information.

Examples

Same image - different long descriptions depends on its purpose!

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