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Tips for Writing Good Alt Text

  • Be concise: aim for under 125 characters
  • Describe what the image conveys, not how it looks
  • Do not start with "image of" or "photo of" (screen readers already say "image")
  • Include relevant text that appears in the image
  • For decorative images, use empty alt text: alt=""
  • For complex images (charts, graphs), provide detailed description in nearby text
  • Consider context: the same image may need different alt text in different contexts

Good vs Bad Examples

Badimage.jpg
GoodGolden retriever puppy sitting on a green lawn
WhyDescribe content, not file name
BadPhoto of a dog
GoodGolden retriever puppy sitting on a green lawn
WhyScreen readers already announce "image", so avoid "photo of"
BadA beautiful stunning amazing photo of the most gorgeous sunset over the ocean with vibrant colors
GoodOrange and purple sunset over the Pacific Ocean
WhyBe concise, avoid subjective adjectives
BadClick here
GoodCompany logo linking to homepage
WhyDescribe function and content for linked images

Frequently Asked Questions

What is alt text?
Alt text (alternative text) is a written description of an image that screen readers read aloud to visually impaired users. It also displays when an image fails to load.
How long should alt text be?
Alt text should be concise, typically under 125 characters. Describe the essential information the image conveys, not every visual detail.
When should alt text be empty?
Use empty alt text (alt="") for purely decorative images that do not convey meaningful content, such as background patterns or spacer images.
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