Choosing accessible images
Images can make web content more engaging, but it is important to choose images that are accessible, relevant and appropriate for the audience.
Avoid images that contain text
Important information should be provided as webpage text, not embedded within an image. Text inside images can be difficult to read, may not resize well on different devices, and can be inaccessible to some users. It can also be difficult to describe effectively with alt text. Instead of using an image with text, add the text directly to the page wherever possible.
Choose clear, meaningful images
Images should support the content and help users understand the information on the page. Ask yourself whether the image adds value or helps explain the content. Avoid using images that are unrelated to the page or included purely to fill space.
Do not rely on images alone to communicate important information. Any key messages, instructions or data should also be available in the page content. This is particularly important for charts, diagrams and infographics, which often require supporting text to explain their meaning.
Permissions
Using images without the correct permissions could cost your team thousands of pounds in copyright fees or legal claims. You should only use images from Queen Mary's approved media libraries or other authorised sources. These are:
- Canto: Queen Mary's official media library
- iStock: Official library for stock images (Content and Brand team can download these for you)
Consent
If you are using photographs that you have taken yourself, you must make sure you have the appropriate consent from the people featured in them. Find out more about Queen Mary's consent process.