ATTACHMENT_A_Alt_Text_Guidance_0001.pdf

Solicitation 140P2123R0016 Attachment A

UNIGRID ALT TEXT GUIDANCE

7 Feb 2023

1. What to consider The purpose of the image or map.

What is it intended to communicate.

What can be left out that may not necessary.

o Age, gender, ethnicity o Colors

What images are only decorative.

o No alt text for decorative content.

2. What to do

Consider context.

Include proper names and nouns of well-known places or people (but don't repeat the caption).

Write simply and directly. Use plain language.

Keep it short—less than 300 characters, 1–3 sentences.

Use sentence case.

End with a period.

Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Review by reading aloud.

3. What to avoid Don't include more information than a sighted person can see.

Don't convey emotions or an interpretation if it's not the purpose.

Don't describe artistic features like color or style unless describing artwork.

Don't include "photo/image of" Don't include hyperlinks. They aren't clickable or usable within alt text.

Don't use acronyms. They will read out letter by letter.

Don’t repeat the caption in the alt text.

4. Map considerations When applicable, use standard descriptions and add specific information.

Include "map of" (unlike most other images).

Focus on the purpose. Don't include every little detail.

Consider whether map notes need to be recognized/readable.

Longer map descriptions can be added to hidden text frames in InDesign as actual text in place of alt text.