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How do I make my images accessible in Adobe InDesign?

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\uD83D\uDCD8 InstructionsInstructions

Every image, whether normal, decorative, or complex need to have an Alt Text in some way. Screen readers do not recognize images unless a creator provides an Alt text, so it is very important to include one.

Section 5.1: Alternative Texts for Images

  1. Import your image into InDesign

    Image of George WashingtonImage RemovedA black and white image of George WashingtonImage Added
  2. Go to the Object Tab, and click Object Export Options

    Adobe InDesign Object ButtonImage RemovedThe Object Tab in Adobe InDesignImage Added
  3. In the Export Options, you will have the option to create Alternative Text. Change the Alt Text Source to Custom. In less than 150 characters, give a short description of your picture. Use the Custom Alt Text Source option.

    Object Export Options, Alt Text Source Menu is set to Custom. Image RemovedThe Object Export Options Alt Text PageImage Added
  4. Organize your text and photo so that the information is easily readable and your picture is easy to see and does not merge or mess up the text.

    Finished sample of a biography of George Washington in Adobe InDesignImage RemovedAn article about the Life of George Washington.Image Added
  5. You need to make sure that the alt text is read at the right location. In the upper right area of the image is a blue anchor square. Click the small square and drag it to the document where you want the alt text to be read.

    An image of George Washington with a small box in the top right corner called an Anchor.Image RemovedAn image of George Washington with a small box in the top right corner called an Anchor.Image Added

What about Decorative Images?

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When dealing with complex images in your document, providing lengthy descriptions solely through alt text may not be the most effective approach. Alt text should ideally be concise, limiting its length to about 150 characters. Screen readers treat alt text as a single chunk of text, making it difficult for users to navigate or interact with lengthy descriptions.Option 1:

  1. Add a

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  1. Long Description

    1. An easy way to provide long description for a complex graphic is to write the description in the text of the document. There is no character limit, you can add bullet points, tables, etc.

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  1. Add a

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  1. Link to a

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  1. Footnote or

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  1. Endnote

    1. If the long description interrupts the flow of a document, you can make a link to a footnote or endnote with a long description.

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  1. Add a

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  1. Link to an External Resource

    1. Sometimes, it helps to add a link to a website with a long description. However, this is less convenient for the reader. They have have to exit the document and open a web browser. It is also risky because you may forget about the web document and delete it or move it. This method does help though.

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