Alt text, or alternative text, is a written description of an image that is used in HTML code to describe the appearance and function of an image on a webpage. It serves several purposes: it provides context for search engines to index the image properly, it assists visually impaired users who rely on screen readers to understand the content of the image, and it acts as a placeholder in case the image fails to load. Alt text should be concise yet descriptive, conveying the essential information about the image without being overly verbose. It should not include phrases like “image of” or “picture of,” as screen readers already announce the presence of an image. Instead, it should focus on the key elements and purpose of the image in the context of the content. For decorative images that do not add informational value, an empty alt attribute (alt=””) can be used to ensure screen readers skip over them. Proper use of alt text enhances accessibility, improves user experience, and contributes to better SEO performance.
Leave a Reply