Decision Tree

Does the image contain text?
- Yes:
  - … and the text is also present as real text nearby. Use an empty alt attribute. See Decorative Images.
  - … and the text is only shown for visual effects. Use an empty alt attribute. See Decorative Images.
  - … and the text has a specific function, for example is an icon. Use the alt attribute to communicate the function of the image. See Functional Images.
  - … and the text in the image is not present otherwise. Use the alt attribute to include the text of the image. See Images of Text.
- No:
  - Continue.
Is the image used in a link or a button, and would it be hard or impossible to understand what the link or the button does, if the image wasn’t there?
- Yes:
  - Use the alt attribute to communicate the destination of the link or action taken. See Functional Images.
- No:
  - Continue.
Does the image contribute meaning to the current page or context?
- Yes:
  - … and it’s a simple graphic or photograph. Use a brief description of the image in a way that conveys that meaning in the alt attribute. See Informative Images.
  - … and it’s a graph or complex piece of information. Include the information contained in the image elsewhere on the page. See Complex Images.
  - … and it shows content that is redundant to real text nearby. Use an empty alt attribute. See (redundant) Functional Images.
- No:
  - Continue.
Is the image purely decorative or not intended for the user?
- Yes:
  - Use an empty alt attribute. See Decorative Images.
- No:
  - Continue.
Is the image’s use not listed above or it’s unclear what alt text to provide?
- This decision tree does not cover all cases. For detailed information on the provision of text alternatives refer to the Image Concepts Page.