The ATAR (Alt-text Assessment) Report: How to Use It
Image descriptions (alt-text) are essential components of the Accessible EPUB3, especially where images are vital to the content.
Best practice demands that the alt-text be written or at least certified by someone familiar with the content (author, editor or publisher.)
To assist publishers with post-production alt-text creation, DPS provides the Alt-text Revision (ATAR) Service.
How it works
When an "ATAR for ePUB3" option* is ordered, a placeholder generic alt-text is inserted by DPS in the EPUB3 file for all images requiring Alt-text.
These markers are included in the ATAR Report, an Excel sheet providing thumbnails of all images in the text (one row per image. The images are included in the ATAR Report, an Excel sheet providing thumbnails of all images in the text (one row per image.)"
These markers are included in the ATAR Report, an Excel sheet providing thumbnails of all images in the text (one row per image. The images are included in the ATAR Report, an Excel sheet providing thumbnails of all images in the text (one row per image.)"
These are presented with the 4 columns shown below for editors/creators to use for creation of alt-text to be included in the ePub.
| Column | Description | Action? |
A | Page number | |
B | Image filename | |
C | Image Thumbnail | |
D | Decorative? | Indicate "Alt-text not required" with "Y" |
E | Image caption (if any) | This row, populated in the report, could be pasted into column F if appropriate. |
F | Alt text | This is the editor-approved Alt-text. Where the image is described with a caption, the caption is reproduced here as an aid for the Alt-text writer (author or editor.) Otherwise the column is left blank. However, where the AI option is chosen, the cell will be filled with AI-generated Alt-text, which the editor may edit or revise. The result will be the Alt-text description appearing in the ePub. |
G | Long description | Available for use with complex images like charts/graphs, or images with detail which cannot be adequately described in the short alt-text. Again, the row is blank unless the AI option is chosen, in which case the row will be filled with AI-generated Alt-text for long descriptions. |
How to Use the Sheet to Remediate Alt-text
Download the sheet to a local drive for editing. (The sheet can be shared with authors and editors if so desired.)
Use columns H and I to provide any edits for columns F and G.
The best practice is to copy and paste the entire cell to be corrected into the corresponding column (F to H and G to I.) and then make the changes required.
Change only those cells in H and I where corrections are required. Where no changes are required, leave these cells blank.
Use columns H and I to provide any edits for columns F and G.
The best practice is to copy and paste the entire cell to be corrected into the corresponding column (F to H and G to I.) and then make the changes required.
Change only those cells in H and I where corrections are required. Where no changes are required, leave these cells blank.
Final Step
To request remediation (incorporation of any changes in the EPUB3,) rename and save the edited file and use the Order ticket to make the request.
DPS will integrate all modifications provided into the EPUB3, producing a finished (remediated) file which meets the "creator-approved" criterion for images description.
You will receive a notification when this is done.
*There are two ATAR options:
- ATAR for ePub3 (without AI assistance)
- ATAR for ePub3 (with AI assistance)
Where option 1 is chosen, columns F and G will be blank.
Where option 2 is chosen, columns F and G will be filled with an AI-generated description of the image in column C.
This text should be reviewed and edited before the file is returned for integration.
Where option 2 is chosen, columns F and G will be filled with an AI-generated description of the image in column C.
This text should be reviewed and edited before the file is returned for integration.
A sample ATAR Sheet is attachedRelated Articles
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