Complex images and Long descriptions can seem overwhelming at first, but if you follow the advice in this section they will become easier.

We create longer, complex descriptions for any image that contains complex information or data. Common examples are Maps, Graphs, Charts and Diagrams. We can also create longer, complex descriptions when we need to transcribe an Image with Text, such as an image of a letter. If you are not sure if your image requires a complex description, ask in the Q&A section.

A complex image is any image that contains complex information or data. Common examples are Maps, Graphs, and Charts. All complex images require extended descriptions beyond the Alt-text, also known as Long Descriptions.

A Long Description is a detailed text description of an image that can be several paragraphs long and/or may contain other elements such as tables and lists.

When creating a complex description work from the general to the specific: provide an overview of the image before you describe specific details. The way you introduce a complex image can vary depending on the type of image. We included documentation for all the most common images we come across at the end of this page.

The complex descriptions must also follow the standard Alt-text guidelines (though it will be longer than 2-3 sentences).

• Use as few words as possible. Be clear and precise.
• Be consistent and balanced in your descriptions. Most long descriptions are not narrative and are more repetitive than general Alt-Text. This helps the reader keep track of the data and information without getting lost.

• Know your audience. If it is a fantasy novel map, a more narrative style would work for the description. But if it is a map in a textbook, then a be less narrative focusing on the data and facts.
• Focus on the data and not on extraneous visual elements. Don’t describe every detail.

• The reader should be able to understand the description in one reading.
• Start with a brief description, followed by more specific information. This allows the reader to get the initial concept and read further if desired.
• Use multiple modalities when necessary. Some content is better converted to tables or lists than being provided in a narrative description.

A strategy we use is to break the image up into its component parts, and then organize them so that the description makes logical sense.

There are a couple of techniques you can use to breakdown a complex description:

• Quadrants: divide the image into 4 quadrants. Top and bottom, left and right.
• Compass: divide the image by North-South-East-West. This is most commonly used for Maps.
• Clock: divide the image by the times of a clock. This is most commonly used for images that have the main focus in the center of the image.

The type of breakdown will depend on the context, audience, and type of image. Sometimes you will have to experiment with which one works the best for your complex description. By breaking down a complex image into sections you can take the reader on a journey. Remember, you need to be able to walk your reader through the image in a logical order, and you need to be able to recreate the image without looking at it. Using this approach helps to create an immersive experience for the reader. Editing will be important with complex images, go to Editing Alt-text for more information.

For images that require more complex or extended descriptions we create two descriptions:

1. Standard Alt-text in the Alt-text description Box (2-3 sentences average) including See the link below the image for an extended description. at the end of the description
2. Long description in the Complex Image Descriptions Section that links back to the image being described.

Remember to include a basic Alt-text description for the image itself along with a note that the reader can find a longer description in another location of the book. Simply enter the sentence See the link below the image for an extended description. at the end of the Alt-text. This way readers are aware there is a longer description.

We also do this because all non-decorative images require Alt-text, even if a long description is also provided. Empty Alt-tags in non-decorative images can be confusing to the reader, and leave out part of the experience of reading.

Below is a video that shows how a screenreader interacts with a long description:

When creating a complex description work from the general to the specific: provide an overview of the image before you describe specific details. A good strategy is to break the image up into its component parts, and then organize them so that the description makes logical sense.

This is the most common complex image you will come across in your work. Again, context will also help you out a lot in your description. Below are the general guidelines for how to describe a map.

• Include the Name/Title of the Map and a Description of the Legend
• It is not necessary to describe types of lines/colour-coding and images when this information can be described using the information the legend conveys.
• 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.

Spatial relationships are very important in maps. The reader needs to know where they are and where they are going within the description. The most common way to break down a map is with the compass technique, but this also is dependent on context. If you have a map that has a central focus, then the clock technique might be better. You also might find it easier to use the quadrant method. Again, you may have to experiment as you are writing. Remember it has to walk the reader through the image, and be recreated based on the description alone.

See examples on Samples of Alt Text: Maps

More tips on writing text descriptions for maps.

We also recommend checking out the DAISY webinars on the Resources page.

Not all graphs require a long description. More simple graphs and charts can be easily described in 3-4 sentences and can go directly into the Alt-text. When they do need a long description it is important to focus on the facts and data more than any visual elements.

As with maps, ask what is this chart saying? Are there any striking visual trends in this chart? Remember that charts and graphs are used to give visual impact to data, so summarizing that at the beginning of your description is a good idea.

See examples on Samples of Alt-Text:Graphs and Charts: Short Descriptions or Samples of Alt-text: Graphs and Charts Long Descriptions

Again, multiple modalities can be used when necessary. Below are the more common Graphs and Charts you will come across.

Below are the guidelines for describing a Bar Chart.

• Describe only the visual features that convey meaning.
• Focus on the meaning of symbols and not their appearance.
• Describe the layout of the graph before describing specific data (i.e. "A Bar Chart of …")
• State what the graph is telling you before you describe its details (i.e. The chart shows murder rates in Chicago from 1990 to 2020.)
• Include implied visual impact.
• 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.

See examples on Samples of Alt-Text:Graphs and Charts: Short Descriptions or Samples of Alt-text: Graphs and Charts Long Descriptions

The description for a pie chart needs to reference the following data elements:

• The title of the pie chart.
• The structure and design of the chart.
• The number of variables.
• The data point(s) for each variable. This may be a value, a percentage or both.
• When describing the data, organize the data into size order to help the user with visualizing and understanding the chart.
• Unless colour is integral to understanding the chart, it does not need to be referenced.

See examples on Samples of Alt-Text:Graphs and Charts: Short Descriptions or Samples of Alt-text: Graphs and Charts Long Descriptions

Flowcharts and Trees are all about relationships. Don’t get weighted down on the visuals. Focus on the meaning of symbols and not their appearance. A line could be Yes or No, or it could be a mother or daughter. Describe what it means and not what it looks like.

The description of a flowchart needs to reference the following elements:

• The title of the flowchart.
• The structure of the chart and a summary of what it is saying (i.e. The Smiths Family Tree).
• Number of Tiers or Layers. Describe all the levels first, then start at the beginning and work your way through the flowchart
• When describing a family tree, first describe all the levels, then start at the top and go to the bottom, repeat for each branch. Do not describe any extra visuals.
• Describe pathways through the flowchart to guide the user

For examples, go to Samples of Alt-text: Graphs and Charts Long Descriptions and the Poet Centre has some great examples you can work through as well!

A Venn Diagram consists of a list of elements interacting with each other to form sets. Your description should trace the diagram in a clockwise direction and list each interaction and the sets created by those interactions.

The description of a Venn Diagram needs to reference the following elements

• State the number of variables and the labels.
• Identify the focus or gateway point.
• Identify the pathway (left to right or clockwise depending on the style of Venn diagram).
• Reference the labels as you move through the pathway identifying the interactions

For examples, go to Samples of Alt-text: Graphs and Charts Long Descriptions.

Depending on the context, a painting may need a complex description. These can be especially complicated and overwhelming since art is so subjective, and if it requires a long description then the painting may be very detailed. Like all long descriptions, break it down into logical parts and start describing.

The description of a Painting needs to reference the following elements:

• An overview of the artwork piece including style
• the title
• a brief description of the main components

The Poet Centre has a few tutorials on writing Alt-text for paintings that are very helpful.

For a complex description it is important to consider the context for which you need the description. This may include:

• The painting style
• The color and composition
• The style and location of the figures/elements in the image
• Allegorical Meaning
• Historical Context

For examples, go to Alt-text Samples: Paintings.

Unlike other long descriptions described above, shapes are important to Anatomy and Diagrams with Labels. Spatial relationships are also essential. You do not want to simply list all the labels without context or relations. Remember, you want to walk the reader through the diagram, and you should be able to recreate the image from your description.

The description of an Anatomy Image or Diagram with Labels needs to reference the following elements:

• Include the shapes of the parts and where they are located in relation to each other.
• Spatial relationships, how they are related to each other, their shape

For examples, go to Alt-text Samples: Anatomy and Diagrams with Labels.

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