Alt text

What is alt text?

Alt text is a short description of an image, stored in the alt attribute of the HTML. Screen readers read it aloud to blind and visually impaired visitors, and search engines use it to understand what the image shows. The text also appears when the image fails to load.

Why is alt text important?

• Accessibility: visitors who use a screen reader hear what the image shows.
• Findable images: Google uses alt text to understand what an image is about, including for Google Images.
• A safety net: if an image does not load, the description is still visible.

Examples of alt text

• Good: “Red running shoe with a wide toe box, side view”
• Too vague: “shoe” or “image1”
• Too much: “running shoes cheap buy running shoes best”
• Decorative: leave alt empty so screen readers skip the image.

How do you use alt text?

Describe briefly and concretely what is shown, in a normal sentence. Use a keyword only if it fits naturally, and do not start with “image of”. Fill in alt text for every image that adds something, including through your CMS. You can read more under on-page SEO.