Image & figure description
Captions, alt text and descriptive metadata for images, figures and photo sets
What it is
Image & figure description: Captions, alt text and descriptive metadata for images, figures and photo sets. In plain words, it is a written document that explains this work clearly to the people who need to read, check, or use it.
Who needs it and why
Researchers, archives and publishers.
Descriptions of media, samples, people and objects are how others find, credit and reuse them. Accurate, consistent descriptions protect rights and make collections usable.
Sample outline
- Caption
- Alt text
- Creator and date
- Location
- Rights
This is a made-up outline to show the shape of a typical document of this type. Your own sections depend on your work and any template you must follow.
How our writing support works
- Tell us what you need on the order form: type, length, deadline, and any template.
- We understand your goal and agree an outline with you.
- You write each section; we give structure, language, and clarity feedback.
- We check references, consistency, and similarity, and flag gaps.
- A mentor reviews the draft and you revise it.
- You receive a final checklist and an authorship record.
You write it; we support you. We never write it for you, and you keep full authorship.
Advantages
- Clear structure from day one
- Feedback from experienced mentors
- Checks run while you write
- You stay the author
Benefits
- Readers understand your work faster
- Fewer rounds of revision
- More confidence when you submit or share it
Value
A clear, well-structured Image & figure description saves time for every reviewer and user, and it reflects the real quality of your work.
Common mistakes
- Missing creator, date or place
- Rights and consent not stated
- Inconsistent names and identifiers
- Descriptions too vague to search
Checklist
- ☐ Title and creator
- ☐ Date and place
- ☐ Description in plain words
- ☐ Rights, licence or consent
- ☐ Identifiers and related items
Existing practice, models and how many exist
Existing models & sample templates
- IPTC Photo Metadata Standard — www.iptc.org
- W3C WCAG alt-text guidance (images tutorial) — www.w3.org
Who already uses it
- Museums and image archives describe images for access
Identifier agencies that register it
DataCite
How many exist so far
| What was counted | Count · years | Source |
|---|---|---|
| DataCite: records of resource type image | 12,551,443 · publication years 1020–2026 | api.datacite.org |
Counts are live totals from public registry APIs on the date shown and change daily. Year ranges are the publication years recorded in the metadata (older items are often digitised later). Where no reliable count exists we say so rather than guess. Agency and organisation names belong to their owners and are shown only as facts about existing practice; Dotzy is independent and is not a partner, affiliate or agent of any of them.
FAQ
Do you check the physical object or recording?
No. You provide the facts; we help you describe them clearly and consistently.
What does it cost?
Prices start from ₹1,999 per project. The final quote depends on length and deadline.
Who is the author?
You are. We never ghost-write; you keep full authorship.
How long does it take?
It depends on length and your deadline; tell us your date on the order form.