nontext

Nontext refers to content that is not written language. In information technology and digital media, nontext encompasses images, audio, video, graphics, diagrams, charts, maps, mathematical notation, musical scores, and other forms of information conveyed without words. It also includes non-textual data structures such as 3D models, vector graphics, and tactile graphics. The exact scope of nontext can vary by field, but the common dividing line is between content that can be read as words and content that requires other modalities to be interpreted.

In web accessibility, non-text content is a primary concern because screen readers convey information through speech or braille rather than visual images. Standards such as WCAG encourage providing text alternatives, captions, transcripts, or long descriptions so that users who cannot see or hear the content can access the information. In data processing and information retrieval, nontext content is often indexed or described with metadata, captions, or transcripts, and may be analyzed with computer vision, audio processing, and other algorithms to extract textual or semantic information.

Examples of nontext content include photographs on a page, charts illustrating data, a musical score embedded on a site, an interactive 3D model, or a map. Challenges include accurately representing rich media in text form for accessibility, search, and interoperability, and enabling machines to understand nontext without human interpretation.

The term nontext is often used informally as shorthand for non-textual content; its precise meaning depends on context and standards within a discipline.