What would be good alt text for the image below?
The following is a common type of image found in the university's digital content:
students engaged in an activity on campus. Read on to understand what good and bad
alt text would be for this image, and how we analyzed the visual to write clear, descriptive
alt text.
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Good and Bad Alt Text for This Image
There is no single answer for what this image's alt text should be, as long as you're
following the guidelines. But your alt text for could be good or bad depending on
how close it is to the examples provided.
Bad Alt Text
"image"
"volleyball game"
Better Alt Text but Needs Work
Students playing volleyball on campus.
Good, Descriptive Alt Text
A group of students playing sand volleyball on a sunny day wearing warm weather clothes,
surrounded by trees and campus buildings.
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How We Got To Clear, Descriptive Alt Text
1. Examining the Image
What's happening in the example image above? Students are playing a particular sport,
sand volleyball. They are on campus on a sunny day and they are dressed for warm weather.
Because none of this information is available in the text surrounding the image on
the page, you would include all of this information in your alt text.
2. Considering the Visual Message
This image allows its audience, prospective students, to imagine themselves at the
University of South Carolina. It conveys that the University of South Carolina is
a warm, sunny place where students play sand volleyball, reminding us that the university
is close to the beach.
This image also communicates that students at UofSC enjoy outdoor social activities
for their exercise and that people at the university are friendly, welcoming and up
for some healthy competition.
The image sends a message to its audience about what it's like to be a student at
the university that is not available in its accompanying text. Your alt text should
communicate that same message in words.
3. Excluding "Image of"
This image is a photo, the most commonly used image type online. There is no reason
to say "A photo of" or "An image of" at the beginning of your alt text.
4. Including All Text
If the "Get in the Game" text here were part of the image and not live text on the
screen, you would have a couple of options to make the image accessible.
Remove the text from the image and make it live text on the screen instead.
This is the recommended approach because it allows a screen reader to read your copy
like any other text. You would still write alt text for the visual itself.
Include all of the text plus your description of the visual itself in your alt text.
You should take this approach only if number 1 is not an option (as it's not in the
example on this screen, for instance). This option is a lot more work for you and
harder for those using screen readers to listen to. It should only be used when absolutely
unavoidable.
The alt text for the image with its surrounding text would read something like:
"A group of students playing sand volleyball on a sunny day wearing warm weather clothes,
surrounded by trees and campus buildings. A heading below reads "Get in the Game"
followed by text: Whether it's a quick workout at the Strom, a trip with the Surfing
Club or a Saturday night at Williams-Brice Stadium, you'll find plenty of ways to
get moving."
5. Determining if Meaning Comes from Layout
In this image, there is no complex layout that's impacting the meaning of the visual.
You do not need to address this image's composition in its alt text.

Use proper punctuation and end your alt text with a period.
By using proper punctuation such as commas or periods, screen readers can describe
the image using a more natural rhythm. Additionally, screen readers add a slight pause
after a period that helps with readability.
Our Result
Clear, Descriptive Alt Text
A group of students playing sand volleyball on a sunny day wearing warm weather clothes,
surrounded by trees and campus buildings.
Multiple images from across the university's website and descriptions that would be
considered examples of clear alt text for each.