Hello Daniel!
I'm happy to clarify your alt text options in Storyline 360.
- What sets these options (unchecking the "object is visible to accessibility tools" checkbox vs. leaving the alt text field blank or entering double quotes ("") into the text field) apart?
You have three ways to add alt text in Storyline 360. media library, focus order window, or size and position window
For decorative images, you have two options.
Uncheck "object is visible to accessibility tools" or remove it from the focus order window.
Entering double quotes does NOT prevent the screen reader from reading the object.
- Should I consistently uncheck the box for decorative elements?
Yes.
- Is it preferable to keep the ALT field blank or insert double quotes ("")? (I want to avoid it reading the file name)
If you leave the object visible with the alt text field blank, screen readers will read the object's name as it appears in the timeline.
If you enter double quotes, screen readers will read this as the alt text.
- What function does the checkbox perform that a blank ALT field cannot?
The checkbox determines if a screen reader reads an item.
- What is the effect of deleting decorative elements from the focus order using the trashcan button?
This prevents the screen reader from reading the object.
- What happens if I leave the ALT text column blank or enter double quotes ("") within?
With the alt text field blank, screen readers will read the object's name as it appears in the timeline.
Double quotes will be treated like text and read by a screen reader. (the alt="" is HTML code, but we do not require you to write code for your courses)
This accessibility setting does overlap but allows you to address it where you work. I like using the focus order window because I can easily remove decorative items and provide the correct alt text.
I hope that helps. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
