In the world of web accessibility, it’s the little things that make a big difference. And when it comes to active area elements, one of the most important little things is the alternate text. Alternate text is a short, descriptive label that tells screen readers what the active area is about. Without alternate text, your active area elements can be a confusing and frustrating experience for users who are blind or have low vision. This guide will explore the importance of alternate text for active area elements and how to fix it.
Think of your active area elements as a book. You want to make sure that everyone can read it, regardless of whether they are sighted or not. The same is true for your website. By giving each active area element a unique and descriptive alternate text, you can create a more accessible and user-friendly experience for everyone. For a deeper dive into the world of accessibility, see our article on accessibility.
Your Guide to a More Accessible and User-Friendly Website
Fixing missing alternate text for active area elements is a simple but important task. Here’s how to do it:
- Identify Your Active Area Elements Without Alternate Text: Use an accessibility testing tool like Creeper to crawl your site and identify any active area elements that are missing alternate text.
- Add Alternate Text to Your Code: You can add alternate text to your active area elements by using the ‘alt’ attribute. The value of the attribute should be a short, descriptive name for the area.
The SEO Power of an Accessible Website
An accessible website is a more successful website. By making your website more accessible, you can improve your user experience, reach a wider audience, and even improve your SEO. For more on the importance of a well-structured website, check out this guide to image maps from the W3C.
Don’t let your active area elements be a mystery to your users. By taking the time to give them alternate text, you can build a more accessible and successful online presence. For more on how to create a winning on-page strategy, see our article on on-page SEO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an active area element?
An active area element (`<area>`) is an HTML element that defines a clickable area in an image map. It’s often used for things like creating a clickable map of a country or a diagram of a machine.
Why is it important for my active area elements to have alternate text?
It’s important for your active area elements to have alternate text so that screen readers can announce the purpose of the area to the user. This is crucial for users who are blind or have low vision.
How do I add alternate text to my active area elements?
You can add alternate text to your active area elements by using the `alt` attribute. The value of the attribute should be a short, descriptive name for the area.
Ready to make your active area elements more accessible? Start your Creeper audit today and see how you can improve your use of alternate text.