


What is the alt attribute, and why is it important for accessibility?
Jun 21, 2025 am 12:34 AMThe alt attribute in HTML describes an image’s content and purpose, providing accessibility for visually impaired users, aiding SEO, and displaying text if images fail to load. It works by replacing missing images, being read aloud by screen readers, and helping search engines understand image content. To write good alt text: 1) keep it concise; 2) be descriptive without unnecessary details; 3) avoid phrases like “image of”; 4) use keywords naturally. For decorative or redundant images, use an empty alt attribute (alt="") or omit it when the context is already clear.
The alt
attribute in HTML is used to describe the content and purpose of an image on a webpage. It’s important for accessibility because it provides a text alternative for users who can’t see the image—like those using screen readers or browsing with images turned off.
What Does the alt Attribute Do?
The main job of the alt text is to convey what the image shows and its function, especially if the image carries meaning beyond just decoration. For example, if you have an image that links to a product page, the alt text should reflect both the image content and the link destination.
Here’s how it works:
- If an image can't load, the alt text appears in its place.
- Screen readers read the alt text aloud so visually impaired users understand the image's context.
- Search engines use alt text to better understand the content of images, which helps with SEO too.
A good rule of thumb: write alt text as if you're describing the image to someone over the phone.
How to Write Good Alt Text
Writing effective alt text isn’t complicated, but it does require some thought. Here are a few practical tips:
- Keep it concise – Most of the time, a short sentence or phrase is best.
- Be descriptive but not overly detailed – Mention key visual elements but avoid unnecessary details like “a photo of…” unless it's relevant.
- Don’t include phrases like “image of” – Screen readers already announce it’s an image.
- Use keywords wisely – Don’t stuff them in; only include if they naturally fit the description.
For example:
- Bad: "photo123"
- Better: "A golden retriever playing fetch in a park"
Also, if the image is purely decorative (like background graphics), you can use an empty alt attribute (alt=""
) so screen readers will skip it.
When Not to Use Alt Text
Not every image needs a detailed description. Sometimes, the image is redundant or already explained by nearby text. In those cases, it's okay to keep the alt text very short or leave it blank.
Examples where minimal or no alt text makes sense:
- Icons next to clearly labeled buttons
- Repeated images where the first one already has a description
- Charts or graphs that are fully explained in surrounding content
In these situations, adding alt text might actually make things more confusing instead of helping.
It’s easy to overlook, but taking a moment to add thoughtful alt text goes a long way in making the web more inclusive and usable for everyone.
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