The <image> element in DITA is used to effectively present images within DITA content. To ensure that images are displayed and described appropriately, you should include the following attributes and information in the <image> element:

Source

The most crucial attribute for the <image> element is the href attribute, which specifies the path or URL to the image file. This attribute is required to link to the image resource you want to display. Ensure that the path is correct and accessible.

Alternative Text

For accessibility purposes, include the alt attribute. This attribute provides alternative text that describes the content and purpose of the image. It is essential for users with visual impairments who rely on screen readers to understand the image’s context.

Dimensions (Optional)

If necessary, you can specify the dimensions of the image using the width and height attributes. These attributes help control the image’s display size within your content. However, it’s generally a good practice to maintain the image’s aspect ratio for a visually pleasing presentation.

Example:

Here’s an example of how to use the <image> element effectively in DITA content:

<image href="images/example.jpg" alt="Example Image" width="800" height="600" />

In this example, the <image> element references an image file named “example.jpg” using the href attribute. The alt attribute provides alternative text for accessibility, and optional width and height attributes specify the image’s dimensions. These attributes work together to ensure the image is presented effectively.