Body
Question
How can I use Google Gemini to create alt text and long descriptions for complex images that meet accessibility standards?
Environment
Answer
Note: Please be aware that AI may provide inaccurate or misleading information. Always verifying any content that AI generates before using it in your course.
Below are two example prompts showing how to use Gemini to generate alt text for complex images and create long descriptions.
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Example 1: Complex Image
Prompt
I need alt text for this image used on a quiz question, but I don't want to give the answer away. Here is the question: Identify these processes encircled. The answer is dendrites. Here is the image:
Response
Here are a couple of options for your alt text:
Option 1: Detailed and Literal (Recommended)
"A diagram of a cell with a central body and a long tail-like structure pointing downward. A prominent red circle highlights the multiple thin, tree-like branches extending outward from the main central body."
Option 2: Concise
"An illustration of a nerve cell. A red circle encompasses the short, branching extensions radiating from the top portion of the cell body."
Example 2: Creating a Long Description
Prompt
First, I need alt text for this image. Second, I need a long description. I want students to know all the rivers in the state of Michigan.
Response
Alt Text
A detailed map of Michigan highlighting its counties, surrounding Great Lakes, major inland lakes, and primary river systems.
Long Description
This image is a geographic map of the state of Michigan. It displays the state divided into the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, with faint tan outlines marking the individual counties. A scale at the bottom left provides measurements for 100 kilometers and 100 miles.
The map illustrates Michigan's position among the Great Lakes, clearly labeling Lake Superior to the north, Lake Michigan to the west, Lake Huron to the east, and Lake Erie to the southeast. Other notable coastal waters marked include Keweenaw Bay, Whitefish Bay, the Straits of Mackinac, and Saginaw Bay.
Several major inland lakes are also identified in blue. In the Upper Peninsula, these include Lake Gogebic, Indian Lake, and Manistique Lake. In the Lower Peninsula, Mullet Lake and Houghton Lake are labeled.
To help your students learn the waterways, here is the complete list of the rivers explicitly labeled on this map, separated by peninsula:
Rivers in the Upper Peninsula
- Ontonagon River
- Menominee River
- Ford River
- Escanaba River
Rivers in the Lower Peninsula
- Au Sable River
- Manistee River
- Muskegon River
- Tittabawassee River
- Grand River
- Maple River
- Shiawassee River
- Cass River
- Black River
- Kalamazoo River
- Huron River
- St. Joseph River
- Raisin River
Additional Information
Not getting the response you're looking for? Try refining your prompt to guide Gemini toward the result you need.