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Figures (Pictures, Charts/Graphics, and Icons)

Figures (pictures, charts/graphics, and icons) are commonly used to help explain your message, but these elements must contain alt text and captions. The description you provide can be the same for the alt text and caption, but it is important that you provide it in both locations. For images and icons that serve no purpose in conveying information, it is important to mark them as decorative.

Alt text provides a description that allows users who are blind or have a visual impairment to understand content. Users who might be using assistive technology such as screen readers, have the ability to interact with images and graphics as separate elements that are not associated with the body content of the document. Providing alt text will ensure that a description is always associated with an image or graphic.

Captions are read aloud by screen readers and are considered part of the document content. It is important to add captions following the steps outlined below so they are automatically numbered and organized throughout your document. This will allow you to easily create a Table of Contents for your figures (Table of Figures) when you are done.

Tips for Figures (Pictures, Charts/Graphics, and Icons)

  • Use descriptive alt-text for informational images, graphs and tables.
  • Alt text should be concise, consisting of 1-2 sentences. 
  • Alt text should not begin with 'Image of' or 'Graphic of'.
  • Alt text should describe the image content in context but not duplicate the surrounding text.
  • Images or graphic elements that are purely decorative should be marked as decorative.
  • The general State of Vermont Moon Over Mountains logo with or without an identifier should always include the following alt text: "State of Vermont Moon Over Mountains logo." If an identifier is included, the alt text should read: "State of Vermont Moon Over Mountains logo with the (insert listed identifier) identifiers."
  • The State of Vermont Coat of Arms logo should always include the following alt text: "State of Vermont Coat of Arms logo."

Alt Text and Caption Example

Department of Housing and Community Development Commissioner Josh Hanford participated on a panel with other public officials at a public meeting and stood to address seated attendees.
Department of Housing and Community Development Commissioner Josh Hanford participated on a panel with other public officials at a public meeting and stood to address seated attendees.