Couldn't find reference to the 255 characters but did find this: <quote> Keep the alt text short. There is no set limit on the length of an alt text, but as we shall see shortly, a very long alt may not be fully displayed when image-loading is turned off or when the browser cannot locate the image file. By convention, limit alt texts to 1,024 characters (1�K) or less.
When it comes to writing the actual text, remember that alt takes the place of the graphic. Tell us what the picture is or represents or sum up its function, but don�t tell us that it�s a picture. I�ll give you actual examples in a moment, but steer clear of writing a sort of meta�alt text, like �Picture of sunset over Darling Harbour� or �Picture of company logo.� </quote> http://joeclark.org/book/sashay/serialization/Chapter06.html > In his accessibility book, Joe Clark suggests a maximum of 255 > characters is a good guideline. After that, simplify your image or > create a longdesc. > >>> Is there a recommend length for ALT attributes? Or different >>> implementations of ALT attributes between browsers that affect the >>> length? >>> >>> In response to some accessibility testing, I am working on modifying >>> some ALT attributes on images used in our online annual report, and as >>> you can imagine some of them are a bit long - the longest I have at >>> the moment is 53 words/280 characters. ****************************************************** The discussion list for http://webstandardsgroup.org/ See http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm for some hints on posting to the list & getting help ******************************************************
