Mastodawn

to alt-text lovers alike, what are some tips to writing alt text descriptively in formal contexts?

as an editor, I enjoy adding alt text to articles on Wikipedia, including people and places. these should be well descriptive (if not comprehensively so) as that's one of the largest free websites that people read. however, these need to be kept neutral and may change over time as the subject changes

#alttext #alttexttips

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Juwan Jul 20, 2025

for example of the last part, a recurring issue for me is how to handle appearances that have changed a lot (when we don't have a more recent image) or when the subject is deceased (when we choose an image most notable in their life)

👀

Alt Text Hall of Fame Jul 20, 2025

@jnpojuwan "I enjoy adding alt text to articles on Wikipedia"

Thank you so much for your work! It's quite disappointing to see how much Wikipedia lacks in this.

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Sam Chavez (she/they/he) 🌈🤠Jul 20, 2025

@jnpojuwan I’m such a nerd for alt text! 🤓

My favorite part is the story. Get detailed. Have fun with descriptive language that will help someone envision the image in their minds.

https://www.rootschangemedia.com/understanding-alt-text/

📚 Understanding Alt Text

Leading with Accessibility & Building Alt Text into Strategy

the roots of change media

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Justin Derrick Jul 20, 2025

@jnpojuwan if possible, I try to provide Who/What/Why/Where/When/How and some insight or context, in case the photo is re-used or re-purposed outside the specific article it was originally used for.