Providing ALT Text for Images
Alternative text, or “ALT text”, is text that accurately describes the content, function, or intention of the image. Images embedded in a webpage need to include ALT text to convey an image’s message. ALT text is useful for users of screen readers and other assistive technologies.
Most document and web editors let you add text descriptions (“ALT text”) of images in your documents. Here are some best practices you can use to provide useful ALT text for your audience.
- For simple images, provide a brief description. In most cases, a sentence or two will do the trick.
- For more complex images, provide brief ALT text that directs the user to a longer accessible text description elsewhere.
- For images of text, use the same text for ALT text
- Avoid phrases like “image of…”, “picture of…”, or “link to…” Assistive technology announces these to the user.
- If an image provides no information at all, mark it as decorative.
View some examples of ALT text in this section.
ALT Text Resources
Text Alternatives Decision Tree: 4 Syllables Links to an external site.