Decorative images
Decorative images include any images whose only purpose is to add visual decoration to the page, rather than to convey information that is important to understanding the page. Examples of decorative images include backgrounds and line dividers.
tip
For help with determining what kind of image you have, please refer to the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative's Alt decision tree.
Example decorative images
Example 1: Decorative image as part of a text link
Image
Source: Unity User Manual 2021.3 (LTS) (Unity Manual).
Context
This image is used to make the link easier to identify and to increase the clickable area. However, it doesn’t add to the information already provided in the adjacent link text (of the same anchor).
Alt text
(alt="")
Example 2: Decorative image with adjacent text alternative
Image
Source: Select your guided project (Unity Learn).
Context
This image is fully described by the adjacent text. As a result, there is no need to repeat this information in the alt text.
Alt text
(alt="")
Example 3: Decorative image for visual interest
Image
Source: High Definition Render Pipeline overview (Unity Manual).
Context
A decorative image on a landing page that doesn't explain or clarify any content in the main body text. This image is used only to add ambiance or visual interest to the page.
note
If the purpose of your image is to demonstrate a specific concept that's discussed in the main text, then refer to Essential images. For example, images that show a specific lighting effect or graphics setting are likely to be informational images.
Alt text
(alt="")
Example 4: Image used as part of a webpage design
Image
Source: Decorative images (W3C WAI).
Context
This image is used as a border in a webpage design. Its purpose is purely decorative.
Alt text
(alt="")