The way images are used and laid out within a document can have an impact on how easy they are to locate and see. Pages that are simple and uncluttered are the easiest to see and navigate.
Here are some suggestions to help make the use of images within a document more accessible:
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Ensure images are well spaced from the text, to ensure that the text is easy to follow.
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If you are going to wrap text around an image, your readers will be able to follow the layout if the image is placed on the right of the text. This will mean that readers using access technology will be able to follow the flow of the text.
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If using columns to lay out your text, place your images at the beginning or end of a paragraph. Images placed within paragraphs break the flow of the text and can make the continuation of the paragraph hard to find.
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Avoid placing text directly over images or background patterns. This can make the text difficult to see. The background image can make the letters harder to distinguish and the colour contrast between the text and the image will vary, causing the text to disappear in places.
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Use crisp clear images as opposed to wishy-washy or grainy ones. Any image that is crisp and clearly designed will be easier to interpret if viewed with a CCTV or magnifier.
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Use images with good colour contrast and tonal range, for example an image with a dark foreground with a pale background will work well, as opposed to images with a continuous tone - here the colour contrast will be poor making the image harder to see.
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Avoid enlarging images by photocopying them: the results can be grainy and if enlarged to A3 can also become difficult and unwieldy to use.
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 contact:
accessibleinfo@rnib.org.uk