These are suggestions to help you transcribe existing images or design accessible, large print images from scratch.
Because there is a vast range of sight conditions, images that work for one person may not work for another, but designing an image so it is as bold and clear as possible will help it work for most people.
Use clear design
-
Use clear line work: lines should be bold enough to be found and followed easily. Lines that are too thin will be difficult to find and follow. A variety of line widths can help differentiate objects within an image.
-
Avoid including fine detail: too much detail can be difficult to interpret. There can be too be many features that need identifying and the detail can be too small to distinguish.
-
Avoid drawing objects that partially obscure each other: this can make the identification of objects very difficult, particularly if a user is looking at a small part of the image at a time.
-
Avoid perspective: this may be difficult to interpret if viewing a small part of the image at a time. Removing perspective will mean an image can be interpreted more quickly as there is less detail.
-
Measurements: if the image includes mathematical measurements, for example in tests, the measurements must be accurate. Any measuring devices may also need to be scaled to match the image.
-
Design a well spaced page layout: ensure there is good space around each image, so that two images do not become confused with each other; or text is so close to an image that the start of the line is hard to find.
-
Give your image a title: this will instantly tell a person what the image is showing.
-
Use text carefully in an image: if labels are needed, ensure they are clearly spaced away from objects and good colour contrast between text and background is applied. Text will not stand out if laid directly over a detailed part of an image, so ensure the background behind text is clear. Text should be horizontal and in a font large and clear enough for the reader. If there is insufficient space on the image for labels, consider using abbreviations or symbols with a key.
Colour and texture
-
Ensure there is good colour contrast: use light colours against dark colours. Avoid having adjacent areas that are of the same tone or hue as they may be difficult to distinguish.
-
Use pattern and textures: these can be used to distinguish areas making them stand out. Avoid textures that create uncomfortable visual illusions or dazzling effects.
-
Avoid the use of optical illusions: these will be difficult to see and interpret.
Modifying images
-
Photocopying and enlarging an image is not advisable: the photocopy may not be clear with poor colour contrast; text labels may be the wrong font size; the edges of the image may have been inadvertently cut off.
-
Break an image down into a series of images: if an image contains a lot of information which needs to be included then it may need to be broken down into a series of images to convey different levels of information.
-
Consider changing orientation or using larger paper: The image can be enlarged to a size the reader can interpret while still providing useful detail.
Using large print images
If the image is being used to convey any information which is not already included in accompanying text, an additional written description will be required and the image will require a title. See the page about image descriptions and describing large print images for more advice on this.
See the page about copyright for information about what material can be made accessible.
If you would like training, consultancy or in depth advice about
creating accessible information; or feedback on existing documents, please contact RNIB's Services for businesses:
RNIB Commercial and Operations team
Phone: 01733 37 53 70
Email: businesslink@rnib.org.uk
For general advice or information about accessible information: