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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​

Decorative image with link text

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​

Decorative image explained by adjacent text

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​

A forested scene built in Unity.

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​

Page border

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="")