PDF Alt Text for Images: Meaningful vs Decorative Figures

Meaningful figures need useful text

A useful alt text describes the purpose of the image in context. A chart may need the main takeaway, a logo may need the organization name, and a screenshot may need the UI state that matters to the surrounding content.

• ✓Keep it concise
• ✓Describe the image purpose, not every pixel
• ✓Avoid phrases like “image of” unless needed
• ✓Use surrounding text to decide what matters

Decorative graphics should not add noise

Borders, abstract shapes, background flourishes, and purely decorative icons should not interrupt screen reader users. These should be marked as artifacts or handled as decorative instead of receiving invented descriptions.

Charts and diagrams need context

For charts, summarize the insight the reader needs. If the chart contains detailed data, provide the data in nearby text or a table as well. A one-sentence alt text can identify the key trend while the document body carries the full detail.

Verify the physical PDF Alt entry

In a remediated PDF, the alternative text should be attached to the correct /S /Figure structure element. If it is only stored in the web app, external validators and assistive technology will not see it.

What to verify before publishing

1. 1List every meaningful image
2. 2Mark decorative graphics as decorative/artifact
3. 3Write one concise description per meaningful figure
4. 4Avoid duplicating nearby captions word-for-word unless that is the clearest label
5. 5Export and verify alt text on Figure tags

Questions about this guide