Caution
This document is an English translation of the “freee Accessibility Guidelines.” The normative version of this document is in Japanese, and the English version is informational. The English translation is incomplete, and any links with their link texts left in Japanese are untranslated. Please be aware that there may be inaccuracies in the translation or parts that are outdated.
Should the Words “Icon” or “Button” Be Included in the Alternative Text of Icon Images?
Last Updated: December 2, 2024
Tags: Markup , Screen Reader
Question / Problem
Isn’t it necessary to include the words “icon” and/or “button” in the alternative text of icon images?
Answer / Conclusion
The words “icon” and/or “button” should not be included in the alternative text.
Explanation
When a properly marked-up icon image is read aloud by a screen reader, it announces that it is an image along with its alternative text, allowing users to infer that it is an icon.
Therefore, there is no need to include the word “icon” in the alternative text.
In the first place, situations where users cannot determine whether something is an icon and are thereby hindered from using a feature or obtaining information should be avoided.
Additionally, if the icon serves as a button, the screen reader will announce that it is a button.
For this reason, there is no need to include the word “button” in the alternative text either.
If the announcement fails to convey that it is a button, there is likely an issue with the markup.