Alternative text captions (also called ‘alt text’ captions) are short written descriptions of an image, which makes sense of that image when it can’t be viewed for some reason – for example, to a blind or sight impaired user. It is mandatory or heavily encouraged in most website and social media content management systems to provide an alt text caption on all images. 

The College’s advice on alt text captions is to a write a short, simple text version describing the relevant aspects of what the image is showing. For example:  

• A group of students talking on Dalby Court 

Is ethnicity relevant on an alt text caption? 

We recommend only including the ethnicity of the person or people in the image when it is relevant to what you are writing. If it is an extraneous detail, please do not include it. 

For example, it may be relevant to include if you are writing an article about an Imperial College London lawyer who is discussing the positive impact his ethnic heritage has had on his career. For example: 

• Bangladeshi lawyer Paal smiling while sat by a laptop

And remember not to assume the person’s ethnicity. Always ask them how they prefer to be described.