# Alt Text Drafting Workbook

Determine an image's purpose and write context-appropriate text alternatives without repeating captions, adding speculation, or describing decoration.

## Usage note

Use this workbook while viewing the image in its final context. The appropriate alternative depends on the image's purpose, surrounding text, and task; the same asset may need different treatment on another page. Test meaningful images with accessibility reviewers and assistive technology where possible. Follow relevant standards and do not include sensitive visual details unless they are necessary and approved.

## How to use this template

1. Record the image, page context, audience task, and information already supplied nearby.
2. Classify its purpose as informative, functional, decorative, complex, or text-bearing.
3. Draft the shortest alternative that preserves necessary meaning without speculation.
4. Add a caption, table, transcript, or structured long description for complex information.
5. Review in rendered context and test reading order, duplication, action, and localization.

## Blank template

### Image context

- **Asset ID and page:** [Filename/URL and section]
- **Image type:** [Photo, icon, screenshot, chart, map, diagram, logo]
- **Audience task:** [What the reader is doing]
- **Purpose:** [Informative, functional, decorative, complex, text-bearing]
- **Nearby text:** [What is already explained]
- **Information unique to image:** [Essential contribution]
- **Sensitive details:** [Identity, location, health, other]
- **Permission and identity source:** [If relevant]

### Alternative plan

- **Alt draft:** [Concise alternative or empty decorative treatment]
- **Action/destination:** [If the image is interactive]
- **Caption:** [Visible context, if needed]
- **Long description/table:** [Location for complex details]
- **Text embedded in image:** [Accessible equivalent]
- **Terms requiring localization:** [Names, labels, cultural references]
- **Reviewer note:** [Accessibility and editorial decision]
- **Update trigger:** [Asset, data, context, or task change]

### Quality checks

- [ ] Purpose was determined in final context.
- [ ] Decorative images use the correct empty treatment.
- [ ] Functional alternatives name action or destination.
- [ ] Wording avoids unsupported identity or emotion assumptions.
- [ ] Essential image text exists accessibly.
- [ ] Complex data has a structured nearby equivalent.
- [ ] Alt, caption, and surrounding prose do not duplicate needlessly.
- [ ] The rendered order and localized version are reviewed.