Definition of Alt Text

Alt text, or alternative text, is a written description of an image that is displayed when the image cannot be viewed. It serves multiple purposes, including improving accessibility for visually impaired users and enhancing SEO by providing context to search engines about the image content.

Practical Use-Cases

Alt text is essential in various scenarios:

Accessibility: It allows screen readers to convey the content of images to users with visual impairments.
SEO: Search engines use alt text to understand the content of images, which can improve search rankings.
User Experience: In cases where images fail to load, alt text provides context, ensuring that users still receive relevant information.

Key Aspects of Writing Alt Text

When creating effective alt text, consider the following:

Be Descriptive: Clearly describe what is in the image, including important details.
Keep it Concise: Aim for a brief description, typically under 125 characters.
Avoid Redundancy: Do not repeat information that is already provided in surrounding text.

Common Pitfalls

When writing alt text, avoid these common mistakes:

Generic Descriptions: Phrases like "image of" or "picture of" add no value.
Overly Complex Language: Use simple language that is easy to understand.
Ignoring Context: Ensure that the alt text relates to the content and purpose of the webpage.

FAQ

What is the purpose of alt text?

The primary purpose of alt text is to provide a textual description of images for accessibility purposes and to improve SEO.

How long should alt text be?

Alt text should be concise, ideally under 125 characters, to ensure it is fully read by screen readers.

Can I use keywords in alt text?

While using keywords can be beneficial for SEO, it is essential to prioritize clarity and relevance over keyword stuffing.

Is alt text required for all images?

Alt text is recommended for all meaningful images, particularly those conveying important information or context. Decorative images may not require alt text.

How do I add alt text to images?

Alt text can be added in the HTML code using the 'alt' attribute within the tag, or through content management systems that support image descriptions.