Alt text
Alt text is a written description of an image that screen readers read aloud and search engines use to understand the image.
Alt text at a glance
Alt text (alternative text) is a short description added to an image in the code. Screen readers read it aloud for visually impaired users, and it shows when an image fails to load. Search engines rely on it to understand what an image depicts, which helps images rank and adds context to the page.
Why alt text matters for your website
Good alt text improves accessibility, which is both the right thing to do and, in many places, a legal requirement. It also strengthens SEO by describing images in plain language and adding relevant keywords naturally. Write it to describe the image accurately and concisely, rather than stuffing keywords.
FAQ
What makes good alt text?
A clear, concise description of what the image shows, in natural language, including a relevant keyword only when it genuinely fits.
Do decorative images need alt text?
Purely decorative images can use empty alt text so screen readers skip them, keeping the experience clean for assistive technology.
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