Publish a more accessible document
Prepare structure, links, alternatives and reading tests before sharing a document or video.
Prepare the task
A file opening successfully is only one condition. Preserve meaningful order, clear navigation and useful alternatives to visual or audio information.
- Editable source document
- Audience and reading context
- Informative images, links and any video
Follow the method
- 1Structure the content
Use hierarchical headings, lists and table headers. Give links names that describe their destinations.
- 2Prepare alternatives
Describe the function of useful images and check captions against the audio. Automatic transcription needs review of names and numbers.
- 3Test actual use
Navigate by keyboard and inspect order, enlargement and reading after export. Record problems and provide a way to request another format.
A table becomes an image in a PDF: check whether its information remains available and supply a structured version where needed.
Choose the resource for the missing evidence
The directory records identify publishers and link to their official services. Choose by task; inclusion does not guarantee an outcome.
| Task | Resource | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Read accessibility methods | W3C Web Accessibility Initiative | Choose guidance for the component. |
| Identify a procedure and contact | Service Public | Find the service to ask about an accessible alternative. |
| Prepare the source file | LibreOffice | Use documented structure and export functions. |
Compare these directory resources side by side →
A completed record to understand the method
Fictional example: values, times and situations below demonstrate how to document a decision. They do not describe an actual service or application.
| Element | Observation in the example | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Heading | Enlarged text without a heading style | Apply structure, then check navigation |
| Image | Important chart without a text explanation | Add useful values and conclusion |
| Check | Automated tool reports no remaining errors | Also read the result and test with a keyboard |
Choose an image alternative by its role
A text alternative depends on what the image contributes. Appearance alone is insufficient when it acts as a button or conveys data.
- Define the role
- Write the equivalent
- Read without the image
| Situation | What changes | Useful check |
|---|---|---|
| Informative image | Convey the essential information in context. | Do not unnecessarily repeat a nearby caption. |
| Functional image | Name the action or destination. | A button should announce its purpose, not just its icon’s shape. |
| Complex chart | Provide a complete equivalent of useful data or relationships. | Supply a description and, where appropriate, a readable table. |
An empty alt attribute avoids announcing a purely decorative image. Read the page without images: essential actions and information should remain identifiable.
Documentation : W3C WAI — Images Tutorial ↗ · · Read the reference record →
Keep a useful record
Use these fields in your own notes. This page does not collect your documents or personal details.
- Source and shared formats
- Structure and labels checked
- Reviewed alternatives
- Tests and correction contact
Read these points directly on this page.
A quick check is not a full audit; describe the tests without claiming unestablished conformance.
Common questions
Should alternative text describe every detail?
Describe what helps explain the image’s role in context.
Are automatic captions enough?
Review meaning, names, numbers and timing before publication.
A chart has too many values for a short alternative. What should I prepare?
State the main message in nearby text and provide useful values in a structured table. A short alternative can identify the chart and point to that explanation. Check that the conclusion remains understandable without distinguishing colours or reading the image.
Every link says “click here”. How should I revise them?
Read the links separately from their paragraphs. Replace each label with an identifiable destination or action, such as “library opening hours”. If links lead to different documents, include their subject and, where useful, format.