SVG title and desc for Accessibility
The <title> and <desc> elements give screen readers the information they need to describe an SVG's meaning to users.
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How title Provides an Accessible Name
A <title> element placed as the first child inside an <svg> functions similarly to an img tag's alt attribute, giving assistive technology a short accessible name for the graphic — screen readers announce this title text when a user focuses on or navigates to the SVG element, so it should concisely describe what the graphic represents or does.
- title functions like an alt attribute, providing a short accessible name
- Must be the first child element inside the <svg> to be recognized correctly
- Screen readers announce the title text when the element receives focus
Using desc for Longer Descriptive Content
The <desc> element supplements title with a longer, more detailed description when the graphic's meaning needs more explanation than a short title can convey, such as describing the data represented in a complex chart or infographic, and both title and desc should be referenced via aria-labelledby or aria-describedby on the svg element for maximum compatibility.
- desc provides longer descriptive text beyond what a short title conveys
- Useful for complex charts, diagrams, or infographics needing more context
- Referencing both via aria-labelledby/aria-describedby improves compatibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both title and desc, or is one enough?
A short title alone is often enough for simple decorative or functional icons, while desc is worth adding specifically for complex graphics like charts where a brief title can't convey the necessary detail.
What happens if an SVG icon is purely decorative?
For purely decorative SVGs that add no informational value, it's better to add aria-hidden="true" and skip title/desc entirely, so screen readers don't announce irrelevant decoration to users.
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