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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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About Alt Text

Alt Text is a free, browser-based utility designed to make developer and design work as quick and frictionless as possible. Everything happens client-side, which means your files and data never leave your machine. The interface is intentionally minimal so you can focus on the task instead of learning the tool. If you find yourself doing this regularly, the rest of the developer suite covers most adjacent tasks with the same approach.

When you'd reach for Alt Text

  • You're hitting the daily limit of a paid SaaS and need a backup option for a single quick job.

    Marketers and ops people whose primary tool is metered.

    Stay productive without burning credits.

  • You're cleaning up a folder of files that accumulated over a project and need to standardize them.

    Designers, writers, and developers wrapping up deliverables.

    Drop each file in, copy the output, move on.

  • You need to handle a one-off task right before a meeting and don't have time to install anything.

    Anyone working remotely on a borrowed or restricted machine.

    Open the page, get the result, paste it into your doc — under a minute.

  • You're on a public or shared machine and don't want to leave traces of what you're working on.

    Travelers, contractors, anyone working from a friend's computer.

    Nothing is uploaded, nothing persists if you're not signed in.

Frequently asked about Alt Text

Will Alt Text change my original file?
Never. Alt Text only reads your input file and produces a new output file.
Do I need to create an account to use Alt Text?
No. Alt Text works without any signup. We only ask for an email if you decide to subscribe to a paid plan.
Does Alt Text work on mobile?
Yes, Alt Text is fully responsive and tested on iOS Safari and Android Chrome.
Are my files uploaded to a server when I use Alt Text?
Alt Text processes everything in your browser using local APIs. Your files never leave your device.
Is Alt Text really free?
Yes — Alt Text is free for unlimited personal use, with no account required and no watermark on the output.

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