Applying Empty Alt Text to Images

By default, a new image does not contain an "alt" (alternate text) attribute when you insert it into a topic or snippet, unless you specifically add alt text in the Insert Image dialog. However, alt attributes on images are required for Section 508 compliance, even if the string is empty or null (alt=""). Also, by adding empty alt attributes to images, you can search the files to find the images without alternate text and then add it as needed.

You can use a global setting in the XML Editor tab of the Options dialog (File > Options). This automatically adds an empty alt tag to images when you insert them into a topic or snippet (unless you specifically add an alt tag to an image).

In addition to images, this also works for QR codes and equations, since those elements are converted to images in the output.

How to Apply Empty Alt Text When Images are Inserted

1. Select File > Options. The Options dialog opens.
2. Select the XML Editor tab.

3. Select the Insert Empty Alt Text check box. A check mark indicates the feature is enabled.

4. Click OK.