Can You Add Alt Text in Figma?

Are you a Figma user wondering if you can add alt text to your designs? Alt text is an essential element for web accessibility as it provides a textual description of images, allowing visually impaired users to understand the content. In this tutorial, we will explore how you can add alt text in Figma, ensuring that your designs are accessible to all users.

Adding Alt Text in Figma

To add alt text to an image in Figma, follow these simple steps:

1. Select the image you want to add alt text to.
2. Locate the "Alt Text" option in the properties panel on the right-hand side of the screen.
3. Click on the input field next to "Alt Text" and enter a descriptive text that represents the content or purpose of the image.

Note: It's important to provide accurate and meaningful descriptions in your alt text. Consider what information or context the image conveys and use concise language while being descriptive enough for someone who cannot see it. Avoid using phrases like "image of" or "picture of" in your alt text as screen readers already announce that an image is being described.

Why Alt Text Matters

Web accessibility is crucial for ensuring inclusive experiences for all users. Adding alt text to images is not only a best practice but also a legal requirement in many countries. By providing alternative text descriptions, you allow visually impaired individuals using screen readers to understand and engage with your content effectively.

Failing to add alt text can result in excluding a significant portion of your audience from accessing and understanding your designs. Moreover, it may lead to legal consequences, especially if your design is part of a website or application that falls under accessibility regulations.

Best Practices for Writing Alt Text

When writing alt text, consider the following best practices:

• Be descriptive: Describe the content and purpose of the image accurately.
• Keep it concise: Use clear and concise language to provide relevant information without unnecessary details.
• Avoid redundancy: Avoid repeating information that is already provided in the surrounding text. Focus on providing additional context instead.
• Don't use "image of" or "picture of": Screen readers already announce that an image is being described, so there's no need to include these phrases in your alt text.

The Role of Alt Text in Figma

In Figma, alt text is primarily used for exporting designs to HTML or other web formats. When exporting a design, Figma automatically includes the alt text you've added to the images, making your designs accessible when viewed outside of the Figma editor.

Note: Alt text added in Figma is not visible within the editor itself. It will only be displayed when you export your design or share it as HTML.

In Conclusion

Incorporating alt text into your designs is essential for web accessibility. By adding descriptive and concise alternative text to images in Figma, you ensure that all users can understand and engage with your content effectively, regardless of their visual abilities. Remember to follow best practices when writing alt text and stay compliant with accessibility regulations. Start adding alt text to your images in Figma today!