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Accessibility

Alt Text

Alt text describes an image's content and purpose for screen readers and when the image cannot be displayed.

Alt text describes an image's content and purpose for screen readers and when the image cannot be displayed. Implementation should favor native web standards and combine automated checks with keyboard and assistive-technology testing. The concept is closely related to Screen Reader and Web Accessibility.

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Screen Reader

Web Accessibility

Image Optimization

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FAQ

Alt Text

How is alt text written for charts and infographics?
For charts, the alt text states the key message rather than every data point. Extensive data belongs on the page as a table or running text in addition. That way screen reader users get the full information without an overloaded alt attribute. Graphics that only show text repeat that text in the alt attribute.
Does alt text influence SEO?
Alt text helps search engines understand images and can matter for image search. Usefulness for screen reader users comes first, though. Keyword lists in the alt attribute hurt clarity and bring no advantage. A natural description works best, including search terms only when they genuinely fit.
How should good alt text be written?
Good alt text briefly states what the image conveys in the context of the page instead of listing everything visible. Phrases like "image of" are redundant because screen readers already announce the element. For linked images, the text describes the link destination rather than the picture itself.
When should the alt attribute of an image stay empty?
For purely decorative images, the alt attribute stays empty so screen readers skip them. The attribute itself must still be present, otherwise some screen readers announce the file name. The deciding question is whether the image carries information or a function that would otherwise be missing.