How to Describe a Photo Restoration Before-and-After Pair Accessibly
By ImgHeal · Updated
A comparison slider may show a dramatic change without explaining it to someone who cannot see or operate it. Give the source and viewing restoration clear identities and describe what the comparison is meant to demonstrate.
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Define the relationship between the two images
Identify which image is the untouched source and which is the edited viewing copy. Use the same photo ID and explain any difference in crop or scale before describing apparent improvements. State whether the purpose is to discuss scratch cleanup, tonal changes, colorization, or a disputed alteration. Avoid a generic pair of alternatives such as old photo and new photo; those labels do not tell a reader whether the second image is a new capture, a restored derivative, or an unrelated reference.
Describe the changes that matter
Write a short shared introduction explaining that both images depict the same source photograph, then give each version an appropriate alternative. Add readable comparison text about the selected differences, such as reduced creases with the original monochrome appearance retained. Include meaningful limitations, such as uncertain facial detail or newly generated colors. W3C guidance on groups of images supports describing both the individual images and their relationship. Do not label the second version historically accurate merely because it looks cleaner.
Check access without relying on the slider
Review the page or document using keyboard navigation and its available accessibility tools. Confirm that the versions can be identified without dragging a visual handle and that the explanatory text remains available. If the selected viewer cannot provide an understandable comparison, supply two labeled images and the description as an alternative presentation. Test that the images and text are encountered in a sensible order. A reader should understand both what changed and what the example cannot establish about the original scene.
Check before sharing this record
- Identify source and derivative explicitly.
- Describe relevant changes and their uncertainty.
- Provide understandable access beyond the slider.
Sources and further reading
- W3C WAI: Groups of imagesText alternatives for related images that convey information together.
- W3C WAI: Complex imagesCombining a short alternative with a longer explanation when essential visual information needs more space.
Questions about this restoration task
Can both versions use the same alt text?
They can share basic scene information, but the presentation still needs to distinguish their roles and explain the comparison. Avoid making readers infer which version is original from a visual position alone.
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