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• Name the chart or plot type where useful. Describe what is being compared or measured, and summarise the main trend, relationship, distribution or difference. 
• Include axes or variables where they are needed to understand the image. Mention outliers, uncertainty, error bars or notable differences where these are important to the meaning of the figure. 
• For complex charts or plots, such as heatmaps, box plots, scatter plots, volcano plots, survival plots or spectrograms, focus on the main pattern or finding rather than listing every data point.

Example pattern

Bar chart comparing [variable] across [groups], showing [main trend or difference].

• Name the type of map where useful. Describe the area shown and explain what the map represents.  
• Summarise the main spatial pattern, distribution, movement, concentration or relationship. 
• Explain what colours, markers, regions or routes represent where these are important. 

Example pattern

Map of [area] showing [what is mapped], with [main distribution, concentration, route, boundary or movement].

• Name the type of diagram. Describe the key parts and how they are connected. Focus on the relationship, process, hierarchy, sequence or structure, rather than only the visual layout. 
• This may apply to flow charts, Venn diagrams, decision trees, dendrograms, neural network diagrams, system architecture diagrams and similar figures.

 Example pattern

Flow diagram showing [process], moving from [first stage] to [final stage], with [key relationship, decision point or feedback loop].

• For technical illustrations, describe the object, apparatus, structure or physical system shown. Focus on the key components, labels, orientation or spatial relationships that are needed to understand the image. 
• This may apply to engineering drawings, blueprints, architectural plans, anatomical illustrations, apparatus illustrations, circuit layouts, product drawings or other technical images where the physical form or arrangement is important. 

Example pattern 

Technical illustration of [object, apparatus or structure], showing [main components] and their [position, relationship or function].

• State the imaging type and body part or subject. Where relevant, include the imaging plane or view, such as axial MRI or frontal X-ray, and any notable feature or finding that is important in context. 
• If the image is used to demonstrate a condition, summarise the key finding. This may include whether the image is an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound or other clinical image; which anatomical region is shown; and whether the view or plane is important for interpreting the image.

 Example pattern

Axial MRI scan of the brain showing [relevant feature or abnormality] in [region].

• Identify the subject, specimen or material, and include the imaging method or magnification where this is relevant.  
• Describe the notable structures, pattern or comparison without attempting to catalogue every visible feature. 
• This may apply to confocal micrographs, electron micrographs, fluorescence micrographs, optical micrographs and other scientific images. 

Example pattern

Fluorescence micrograph of [sample or tissue], showing [labelled structure or pattern] with [main feature or difference].

• Where possible, equations, mathematical expressions and chemical structures should be provided as accessible text rather than as images. 
• If an equation or expression is included as an image, describe it in the order it should be read aloud. Use words for symbols where needed, such as “equals”, “over”, “squared” or “to the power of”. 
• For complex equations or chemical structures, provide a concise overview in the alt text and include fuller explanation in the caption or surrounding text. 

Example pattern

Equation reading: [spoken form of equation].

• Describe the subject, setting, action or condition shown, focusing on what is relevant to the content. 
• Avoid unnecessary details about appearance, clothing, age, race, gender or other personal characteristics unless they are directly relevant and appropriate. 

Example pattern

Photograph of [subject] showing [relevant action, condition, object or setting].

• Tables and text should usually be provided as accessible text, not as images. 
• If an image of a table or of text cannot be avoided, summarise what it compares, lists or shows. If the full content is needed, provide it in an accessible table, caption, or surrounding text. 

Example pattern

Table comparing [variables or categories], showing [main comparison or finding].