The alt attribute is too long

Compliance Data & User Impact

User Impact: Critical

100% Complete

Disabilities Affected:

  • blindness
  • deafblindness

WCAG Version:
2

WCAG Levels:

  • A

WCAG Guidelines:

Solution Techniques:

Automated Test Accuracy:
High

uTester Severity:
Warning

DRRSAG Designations:

  • description

How to Fix the Problem

The alt attribute is intended for short text alternatives. If a short description can not present the same information as the content (e.g., a chart or diagram), it must be combined it with a long description. The long description may be provided by an aria-describedby attribute, which references to a different element containing text describing the content. Another possibility is to provide the long description as part of the standard presentation (i.e., everyone receives it). The description is located near the non-text content but does not have to be the very next item. For example, there may be a caption under a chart with the long description provided in the following paragraph. The location of this long description is then provided within the short text alternative so the user knows where to look for it if they cannot view the non-text content. E.g.: “October sales chart . Details in text following the chart”.

The Algorithm, in Simple Terms

Engine scans for alt attributes with over 250 characters

Why Is it Important?

Users who use assistive tools, such as screen readers will fail to understand properly the content of the image

Code Example

<img src="/example_"newsletter.gif" alt="example_Free newsletter. 
Get free recipes, news, and more. Learn more." />

This element perfoms as a container, and has no functionality. This container may contain another elements that has functionality or logical role.

Ignore this issue if this element has an alternative that performs the same and overrides the content of this element.

Address: 401 9th St NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20004
Phone number: (888) 995-WCAG
International number: 1(888) 995-9224
Email: accessibility@user1st.com