Web Development
Web Developer Guidelines
Visual Design Recommendations

Checkpoint 6.7 - Core

All image submit buttons have an alt attribute that clearly describes the function of the button

WCAG 1.0 Priority 1

WCAG Guideline 1. Provide equivalent alternatives to auditory and visual content.

People who are vision impaired use screen readers to 'read' a web site. These screen readers can read aloud information such as text and certain tables if they are marked up properly. However, screen readers cannot interpret the context of a form and its submit button. The label on the submit button is all the information that is provided.

Requirement

If an image is used for a submit button, provide an alt attribute that describes the function of the submit button.

Recommendation

Any number of words can be used as the alt text on an image submit button for a Search form, such as:

  • Submit
  • Activate Search
  • Search

Examples of incorrect wording would include:

  • Go
  • Button

Checking Tool

  • Internet Explorer - AIS toolbar: Images > Toggle Image/Alt
  • Firefox - Web Developer's Toolbar: Images > Display Alt Attributes

Information Source

The original source of this information is located on the W3C web site  (www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10-TECHS/#gl-provide-equivalents)

 

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