Making images accessible isn’t just a technical checkbox. It’s about making sure everyone can experience and understand your content, no matter how they navigate the world. Here are my top five ways to make your images more accessible, with practical tips.
Write Clear, Concise Alt Text
Alt text (alternative text) is one of the most essential tools for image accessibility. It’s a short description added to your image’s code, allowing screen readers to read the image out loud or display it on a Braille device. Good alt text should be specific, concise, and focused on what’s important about the image in context.
Skip phrases like “image of” screen readers already announce it’s an image. If your image contains text, type it out verbatim in the alt text.
Pro tip: Keep it under 150 characters and end with a period for a natural pause.
Learn more about writing alt text.
Use High Contrast and Legible Text
If your image includes text, make sure there’s enough contrast between the text and the background. This helps everyone, especially people who may have difficulty distinguishing colors, to read your content easily.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for regular text and 3:1 for large text.
Use a contrast checker to make sure your designs meet these standards.
Pro tip: Avoid putting text directly over busy backgrounds, and use overlays or simple backgrounds to boost readability.
Make Interactive Images Keyboard Accessible
If your images are interactive, like buttons, sliders, or clickable graphics, they need to be navigable by keyboard, not just by mouse or touch.
Add descriptive labels (using Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) labels or alt text) so screen readers can announce what the interactive image does.
Pro tip: Describe the action, not just the image. For example, “Donate now” instead of “red button”.
Tips for making interactive images accessible.
Avoid Relying on Color Alone
Don’t use color as the only way to convey information in your images. Not everyone sees color the same way, and some people may not see color at all. Use patterns, labels, or icons alongside color to make sure your message gets through to everyone.
Pro tip: If you’re using charts or infographics, add patterns or direct labels to each section, not just color coding.
Provide Image Descriptions and Multiple Formats
Sometimes, alt text isn’t enough-especially for complex images like infographics, charts, or artwork. In these cases, provide a longer image description in the caption or nearby text.
You can also offer downloadable text versions or audio descriptions for even more access.
Pro tip: For social media, if the platform doesn’t support alt text, include an “Image description:” in your post.
Accessible images make your content more inclusive and help everyone enjoy what you create. Plus, they boost your SEO and make your site or feed easier to find and use for everyone.
By adding thoughtful alt text, checking your contrast, designing for keyboard navigation, avoiding color-only cues, and offering detailed descriptions, you’re opening the door for a wider audience to connect with your work.
Let’s make the web a more welcoming place-one image at a time.
Tas The Artist 
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