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public:nnels:etext:images [2020/06/16 14:08] rachel.osolen [9. Adding Extended Image Descriptions (Internal Link to Back Section)] |
public:nnels:etext:images [2024/02/20 11:13] rachel.osolen [Introduction] |
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- | ======= Images | + | ========= Images: Alt-text and Image Descriptions ========= |
- | Software can convert text to speech, but it cannot convert images to text. We use Alt-text to replace the image for screen readers. | + | |
- | A screenreader will stop on the image and read the Alt-text that you have written. The content of the Alt-text depends on the type/ | + | Reading systems |
- | For a selection of samples, please visit this page: [[public: | + | A screenreader will stop on the image and read the Alt-text that you have written. This Alt-text is not visual, but is embedded in the code of the ebook. Part of your job is to write these descriptions. The content of the Alt-text depends on the type/ |
- | Alt-text | + | The following |
+ | {{ :public: | ||
- | <note important> | + | The term image description is an umbrella term referring to the concept of offering descriptions of images in text form. An image description conveys the same or equivalent |
- | + | * Alt-text for simple and medium complexity images | |
- | ======What is Alt-text?====== | + | |
- | The [[https:// | + | Remember, you are replacing visual information with text, not just describing an image. It is very important you follow these guidelines so your descriptions are clear to the reader and do not cause any confusion or cognitive issues. |
- | <WRAP center round box 80%> | + | There are no hard rules on how long Alt-text should be, but they usually around 2-6 sentences long. This is to help avoid cognitive overload. Cognitive overload can also happen if the description is not direct or concise. The description should walk the reader through the image and be very clear and direct. This can be a bit of an artform, so don’t stress out if you feel overwhelmed. This documentation |
- | A text alternative is text that is used in place of non-text content for those who cannot view the non-text content. Non-text content includes such things as pictures, charts, applets, audio files, etc. People who cannot see for example would not be able to see information presented in a picture or chart. A text alternative | + | |
- | In order for people with disabilities to be able to use this text - the text must be " | + | < |
- | It must also be possible for people using assistive technologies to find these text alternatives when they encounter non-text content that they cannot use. To accomplish this, we say that the text must be "programmatically associated" | + | <note important> |
- | </WRAP> | + | |
- | ======When to Remove an Image====== | + | < |
- | The below images can be **removed** | + | |
- | * cover (text equivalent = title/ | + | Part of your job is to produce accessible versions of the titles you are assigned. Alt-text is an essential part of accessibility. You should be able to write Alt-text with little to no edits and feedback after 3 months of work. |
- | * publisher/ | + | |
- | * [[http:// | + | |
- | * author photo (no text equivalent required) | + | |
- | < | + | It can take longer to learn how to write image descriptions than the other parts of reformatting an ebook, and we are here to help and support you on this journey. Even after you have gotten a handle on how to describe images, there will always be times when you struggle and need assistance. Go to [[public: |
+ | ======First Steps====== | ||
- | < | + | < |
+ | Remove all decorative images including: | ||
- | ======Things to do====== | + | * publisher/ |
- | | + | |
- | - delete and re-insert extracted images as you go along | + | |
- | - Add Caption if needed | + | |
- | - clear the image formatting | + | |
- | - resize the images | + | |
- | | + | |
- | - set the image inline with text | + | |
- | - add alt text to the image, and insert a caption (if one exists) | + | |
- | - add extended image descriptions if required | + | |
- | <note tip>You can search for all images | + | If unsure, ask [[public: |
- | =====1 and 2 Extract and Replace Images===== | + | < |
- | During conversion from ebook to .doc file, the image quality | + | <note tip> |
- | First you need to extract | + | Ensure that the image (and caption if present) is set to '' |
- | * [[public:nnels: | + | To set the wrapping style as '' |
- | * [[public: | + | * right click the image |
- | * [[public: | + | * select '' |
- | Once you have your new images files, simply replace all the files in the .doc with these new images. | + | Software can only detect and properly read the Alt-text associated with an image when it is placed '' |
- | ===== 3. Add Caption ===== | + | For large images, resize them so they fit on the page with their caption and surrounding text. See [[https:// |
- | If a caption exists in the original ebook, then you must insert it for the corresponding image in the .doc file. See [[public: | + | <note important> |
- | ===== 4. Clear formatting | + | =====Basics: Add Alt-text and Caption to Image===== |
- | Select the image and then select '' | + | Below are directions on how to insert captions |
- | ===== 5. Resizing Images ===== | + | |
- | For large images, resize them so they fit on the page with their caption, and surrounding | + | <note important> |
- | ===== 6. Embedding Images / Break Links ===== | + | ====Add Captions==== |
- | This is the same thing as [[public: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | [[http:// | + | |
- | ===== 7. In-line with text ===== | + | If a caption exists |
- | Maintain the general location of images | + | |
- | The wrapping style should be set as in-line with text (right click the image, select '' | + | ====Add Alt-text==== |
- | + | ||
- | ===== 8. Add and Write Alt text ===== | + | |
To add Alt-text to an image: | To add Alt-text to an image: | ||
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- Enter a description in the alt text '' | - Enter a description in the alt text '' | ||
- | The main guidelines are as follows: | + | < |
- | * Use as few words as possible. | + | |
- | * The reader should be able to understand the description in one reading. | + | |
- | * Focus on the key elements only | + | |
- | * Start with a brief description, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Alt-text is generally **120 word maximum**. For longer descriptions of complex images, you will have to put the longer description in an [[public: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | < | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Write Alt-text so it flows with the surrounding text as not to be jarring to reader. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | <note important> | + | |
- | + | ||
- | If the image type is consistent throughout a book, provide this information at the beginning, and then don’t repeat in the following images. It is only necessary to provide this information in the alt-text of the first image. For example, the first image alt-text would read: "A black and white photograph of an Indian girl looking out a window on a train." | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Be clear and concise in your writing. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Read the text around the image, if there is a person, place, or object that is named in the text, then use it in your description. Do not name characters in images before they are introduced in the text. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | You may find that the image is already described in the text. You don't have to describe it again in full, but add some details that are not given to describe the image avoiding repetition. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Only write about what you see and what you know. Alt text should always provide | + | |
- | + | ||
- | When working with a novel, try to warm it up a little bit, because your descriptions need to help drive the narrative forward. Image descriptions are really an art, not a science. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | For image description guidelines and examples, refer to: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | * [[https:// | + | |
- | * [[http:// | + | |
- | * [[http:// | + | |
- | * [[https:// | + | |
- | * [[https:// | + | |
- | * [[https:// | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | =====9. Adding Complex Image Descriptions (Internal Link to Back Section)===== | + | |
- | + | ||
- | <note warning> | + | |
- | + | ||
- | For images that require more complex or extended descriptions we create two descriptions: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | - Standard Alt-Text in Alt-Text Description Box (max 120 characters) | + | |
- | - Long Description linked to Complex Image Descriptions Section | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | < | + | |
- | + | ||
- | The complex descriptions must also follow the standard Alt-text guidelines (though it will be longer that 120 words). | + | |
- | * Use as few words as possible. Be clear and precise. | + | |
- | * Focus on the data and not on extraneous visual elements. | + | |
- | * NOTE: If the visual elements are important to understanding the image then describe them. If unsure, ask! | + | |
- | * The reader should be able to understand the description in one reading. | + | |
- | * Start with a brief description, | + | |
- | * Some content is better converted to tables than being provided in a narrative description. | + | |
- | * Some content presented visually can be converted to nested lists. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ====Maps==== | + | |
- | * Include the Name/Title of the Map and a Description of the Legend | + | |
- | * It is not necessary to describe types of lines/ | + | |
- | * Aim for clarity, even if detail is sacrificed. Focus on the information that is relevant in the greater context of the book. | + | |
- | * Ask yourself: What is this Map telling the reader? Only describe what is necessary to convey the intended meaning of the map. This will vary. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | More tips on [[http:// | + | |
- | + | ||
- | See examples on [[public: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ====Graphs/ | + | |
- | * Describe only the visual features that convey this meaning. | + | |
- | * Describe the layout of the graph before describing specific data (i.e. "A Bar Chart of ..." | + | |
- | * Provide the most relevant information first, like what is being measured on the X and Y axes. | + | |
- | * Make sure what you are describing is relevant to the image. Do not simply repeat the titles and labels without providing information about what the graph portrays. | + | |
- | * For units, use the full word instead of short forms (ex. Use “seconds” instead of “s”) and ensure the unit is described consistently throughout the description. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | For examples see [[public: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | More info on writing extended or long descriptions: | + | |
- | * [[https:// | + | |
- | * [[http:// | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ======Images of Tables, Surveys, and Text===== | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Sometimes you will come across images that are Tables, Surveys, or Images with Text, or Images of Words or Phrases. It is a big publisher no-no to put any form of text within an image, and there are a few ways we can deal with this as it comes up. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | < | + | |
- | + | ||
- | =====Images of Tables===== | + | |
- | + | ||
- | If there is an image of a table, simply recreate the table within | + | |
- | + | ||
- | =====Images of Surveys===== | + | |
- | + | ||
- | This one is a bit of a judgement call. It depends on the context of the image. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | If it’s critical to understanding the book that readers know exactly what was asked in the survey then we want to transcribe the entire survey and then add a [[public: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | For blank lines you can replace them with '' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | < | + | |
- | + | ||
- | If it doesn’t really matter to the reading experience what the details of the survey are then Alt-Text will do. There are some great examples on how to write Alt-Text [[public: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | =====Images with Text===== | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Some Images will have text as part of that image. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | - Transcribe the Text in the Image into the Caption | + | |
- | - Transcribe the Text in the Image into the Alt-Text | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Again, this is a judgement call. Both options can work, but it also depends on what the text is. When in doubt just ask! | + | |
- | + | ||
- | < | + | |
- | + | ||
- | <WRAP center round box 80%> | + | |
- | {{ : | + | |
- | + | ||
- | **Alt-Text: | + | |
- | </ | + | |
- | + | ||
- | =====Images of Words and Phrases===== | + | |
- | + | ||
- | A very big publisher no-no is having Single Words or Phrases as Images. This is one of the biggest accessibility sins. When this happens with must transcribe the image inline with the text, and then remove the image itself. If the image is written in another alphabet you may have to either use Unicode or set up your keyboard to type that alphabet. | + | |
- | ======Image Description Without the Image====== | + | |
- | In rare cases, you may be describing the image without a copy of the original image in your document. This is often the case when digitizing from print. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | You still need to describe the image, but also denote that the text is not part of the regular paragraph text. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Typically, you may have something similar to the following: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | BEGIN IMAGE DESCRIPTION | + | |
- | Sally picks a completely black kettle off the floor. | + | |
- | END IMAGE DESCRIPTION | + | |
- | + | ||
- | The specific words you use will differ depending on the language used in the book (e.g. figure, illustration) and whether it is a description (you wrote) or a caption. | + | |
- | ======Background images====== | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Especially in children' | + | |
- | * Make sure the image is " | + | |
- | * If unsure where it's anchored, change alignment by selecting '' | + | |
- | * If not anchored in the correct place, you will need to move it, then change align back to " | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ======Tutorials====== | + | |
- | Check out these excellent tutorials on writing alternative text descriptions: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | <WRAP center round info 90%> | + | |
- | * [[http:// | + | |
- | * [[https:// | + | |
- | * [[https:// | + | |
- | * [[https:// | + | |
- | </ | + | |
- | + | ||
- | =====Q & A===== | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Q: Hello! I have a question about an image in the book I'm working on, " | + | |
- | + | ||
- | A: In this case you would treat it as a regular image and insert the Alt-Text: symbol representing an Arabic phrase: "peace and blessings of Allah be upon him". You would then put a Producers Note at the beginning of the book to explain why you did this. For more info see [[public: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | ---- | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | Q: I'm wondering if there is any way for me to check whether the images I've inserted into a book are the correct format (eg. JPG or PNG). They all look the same to me and I can't find any way to identify the file type within the Word doc. I follow the procedure for inserting images outlined in the wiki so it usually doesn' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | A: Unfortunately, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Another tip is to look at your workflow and try to see where you are making an error in your workflow to try and avoid it from happening again. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | There are two issues that can be causing this to occur, and they both have slightly different solutions: one has to do with workflow of extracting images, and one has to do with the workflow of replacing images. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Extracting Images: The only method of extracting images that could cause an incorrect file format to occur is with screenshots. This is easily fixed by just double checking with each screenshot you take that you are saving the file in the correct format (gif, jpeg, png, or svg.) Again, this is only if you are using screenshots, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Replacing Images: You mentioned this only happens with larger books, which is understandable since there are more images and more room for errors. I do not know what your workflow is for replacing images in the text, but it is a good idea to evaluate your current workflow and see if there is any way you can improve it to help avoid future errors. If you want more tips on how to do this just ask. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | **I would not stress over this**; if it is only happening with large books, and after evaluating your workflow you find that you are still having some images slip through that is okay. The best way to identify exactly where they are only occurs **after** the Production Coordinator converts the book at tests the new file. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ---- | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | Q: I'm trying to keep in mind the aim for clarity and focus on relevant information, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | {{: | + | |
- | {{: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | A: Maps are challenging for anyone. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ---- | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | Q: One more question from His Needs, Her Needs. At the very end of the book, there are 5 full-page images that are advertisements for other books by the author, for his website, and for his publisher. They aren't decorative but I'm not sure how important it is to keep them (and therefore add alt-text to describe their content). Would you recommend deleting them or keeping them? | + | |
- | + | ||
- | A: You can delete these images. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | ---- | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Q: In Appendix B of His Needs, Her Needs, there is a 10 page questionnaire but each page is an image file that contains text, not actually text. Am I right that I should transcribe the text from each image and then delete the image files? | + | |
- | + | ||
- | A: In this instance the context is critical to understanding the book, and should be transcribed, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ---- | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | Q: Another caption question! The book I'm working on has a painting at the beginning of each story that goes with the theme of the story. I have extracted the images of the paintings from the epub file but they each have the painting' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | A: Great question! | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ---- | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Q: What do I do when a single caption refers to and describes two different images? Is it okay to give both images the same caption? ie. copy and paste the caption and apply it once to the first image and then again to the second image? | + | |
- | + | ||
- | A: You only have to apply the caption to one of the photos. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | ---- | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Q: I have an image of a survey. How should I re format this? | + | |
- | {{ : | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | A: It depends on the context of the image. If it’s critical to understanding the book that readers know exactly what was asked in the survey then we might want to translate the entire survey content in a prodnote; otherwise, if it doesn’t really matter to the reading experience what the details of the survey are then alt-text will do. It’s a bit of a judgement call. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | ---- | + | |
- | **Q: If there is a photograph of a letter, should we transcribe | + | - it is easier to work in another document as opposed to the Alt-text box, |
+ | - the Production Coordinator will be able to edit and provide full feedback | ||
+ | - it is easier for you to do revisions. | ||
- | A: It depends on two factors that should be taken into consideration when writing alternative text (requires some judgement): | + | When you have completed the document: |
- | | + | * Uploaded |
- | | + | * Once it is uploaded it is automatically shared with the Production Coordinator |
+ | * Make a note in the RT ticket | ||
+ | When you are going through the feedback and doing your revisions, please remember to accept all previous edits, and resolve or answer comments as needed. | ||
- | ---- | + | Here is a video showing you how to create an upload a [[https:// |
- | **Q: For images that contain a lot of information (such as an Army record that contains a lot of text, finger prints, tables, etc.), what is recommended in terms of Alt Text?** | + | =======How to Write Alt-text======= |
- | A: Very good question! Image descriptions can be tricky. | + | The following documentation will walk you through how to describe different types of images you will come across. |
+ | =====Introduction===== | ||
+ | * [[.images: | ||
+ | * [[public:nnels: | ||
+ | * [[.images: | ||
+ | * [[.images: | ||
+ | * [[.images: | ||
+ | * [[Image Description Checklist]]: | ||
+ | * [[.images: | ||
- | Let's take " | + | =====Images by Type===== |
+ | * [[.images: | ||
+ | * [[.images: | ||
+ | * [[.images: | ||
+ | * [[.images: | ||
+ | * [[.images: | ||
+ | * [[.images: | ||
- | **What' | + | =====The Finer Details===== |
+ | | ||
+ | * [[.images:facial_features|Facial Features | ||
+ | * [[.images: | ||
- | **What do I see?** How much information we want to provide about his personal and military history depends on: 1) what we can actually see! (the image quality is poor, so most likely the author doesn' | + | =====Image Heavy Books===== |
+ | | ||
+ | * [[public: | ||
+ | * [[public: | ||
- | To be honest, I can't make out much information here, so I think it would be perfectly appropriate to leave out specific personal | + | =====Examples |
+ | * [[public: | ||
+ | * [[public: | ||
+ | * [[extracting_images_ebooks|How to Extract Images | ||
+ | * [[.images: | ||
- | {{: | + | < |
- | For further exploration: | + | [[public: |