The DPS Alt-Text Editor

The DPS Alt-Text Editor

This useful tool, exclusive to DPS, allows writers and editors to view Alt-text in any ePub and upgrade it to Accessible ePub standards.

Getting Started

1. Open the DPS Alt-text Editor in your web browser. 
OR: RIght click on an epub in Workdrive (or in DPS Client site.)

2. You will see a simple interface with an option to upload an ePUB file.

Uploading an ePUB File
  1. Click on the 'Choose File' button.
  2. Select the ePUB file you want to edit from your computer.
  3. Click the 'Upload' button to process the file.

Editing Alt Text and Long Descriptions

After uploading the ePUB file, you'll be presented with a list of images found in the document. For each image:

  1. You'll see a thumbnail of the image.
  2. Below the thumbnail, you'll find two text fields:
    - Alt Text: This is a short description of the image that screen readers use.
    - Long Description: This is a more detailed description of the image. < will this include existing text like captions?
  3. Edit the Alt Text field to provide a concise, accurate description of the image.
    More here on How to Write Clear Alt-text
  4. If necessary, edit the Long Description field to provide more detailed information about the image.

Tips for Writing Effective Alt Text and Long Descriptions

∙ Be concise but descriptive in the alt text.

∙ Include important details in the long description that aren't apparent from the alt text alone.

∙ Focus on the most relevant aspects of the image in the context of the document.

Saving Your Changes

  1. After you've made all your desired edits, scroll to the bottom of the page.
  2. Click the 'Update and Download' button.
  3. Your browser will download an updated version of the ePUB file with your changes.
[Modify to handle the above in WD or DPS client..._]

Important Notes

∙ The editor preserves the original structure of your ePUB file, only modifying the alt text and long descriptions.

∙ Self-closing tags and attribute orders are maintained to ensure compatibility.

∙ The updated ePUB file will have the prefix 'updated_' added to its filename.

Troubleshooting

∙ Ensure your ePUB file is valid and not corrupted.

∙ Check that your file is not larger than 16MB (the current size limit). 

∙ If problems persist, try using a different browser or clearing your browser cache.

For additional support or to report issues, please contact [insert contact information here].

Thank you for using the desLibris Alt-text Editor!



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