What this means
A decorative image adds no information or action. Reading software should skip it so it does not interrupt the content. An image is not decorative if it explains something or is the only name of a link.
Passing examples
- A decorative divider is skipped by reading software; removing it would lose no information.
- A background flourish adds visual style but is not announced as content.
- An image repeats information already fully given in adjacent text and is correctly marked as decorative.
Failing examples
- Reading software announces a decorative line as 'blue-line-final.png'.
- An important diagram is hidden from reading software by being marked decorative.
- A picture is the only label for a link, but is marked decorative, leaving the link unnamed.
The publishing system must produce the right result. An empty description field is suitable only when the system handles decorative images correctly.