Writing Effective ALT Text For Images
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Internet Business -> subcategory Web Design.
Writing Effective ALT Text for Images
Summary
Inserting ALT text for images isn't enough for accessibility; it must be well-written. Learn how to create effective ALT text here.Keywords
usability, accessibility, web usability, web credibility, web accessibility, CSS, website, accessible web designArticle Body
Understanding web accessibility means knowing that images need ALT (alternative) text because screen readers can't interpret images, only the assigned text. While Internet Explorer shows this text as a tooltip, other browsers don't. The HTML for inserting ALT text is straightforward, but crafting effective ALT text requires following certain guidelines.
Spacer Images and ALT Text
Spacer images should always have null ALT text, written as `alt=""`. This ensures that screen readers ignore these images entirely. Spacer images are often invisible elements used to create space on a web page. Without the correct ALT text, screen readers might read "Image, spacer image" repetitively, which is not helpful. Avoid leaving out the ALT attribute, as screen readers will then announce the file name, which can be confusing.
Bullets and Icons
Treat bullets and icons like spacer images by assigning them null ALT text (`alt=""`). For example, if a bullet has ALT text "Bullet," it results in the screen reader saying "Image, bullet" before each list item. Icons used with links should also have null ALT text to prevent redundancy, as screen readers will announce both the ALT text and the link text.
(Ideally, bullets and icons should be applied as background images via CSS, which removes them from the HTML and eliminates the need for ALT text.)
Decorative Images
Decorative images should have null ALT text (`alt=""`). If the image is purely for aesthetics, screen readers don't need to announce it. However, some argue that removing images might deny screen reader users the brand experience. Most accessibility experts lean toward limiting unnecessary announcements.
Navigation and Text Embedded in Images
For navigation menus with text in images, the ALT text should exactly match the text in the image. It shouldn't expand on the text, such as saying "Read all about our fantastic services." Instead, use the title attribute for any additional information.
The same rule applies for any other text within images: the ALT text should directly mirror the visible text.
(Embedding text in images is often unnecessary due to advanced CSS capabilities for navigation and backgrounds.)
Company Logos
ALT text for company logos varies. Some use "Company name," others use "Company name logo," or describe the function like "Back to home." The best practice is to use "Company name" if that's what the logo shows. Use the title tag to convey the logo’s function as a homepage link if necessary.
Conclusion
Writing effective ALT text isn't complicated. Use null ALT text (`alt=""`) for decorative images, never omit the ALT attribute, and ensure that text within images is identically reflected in the ALT text. ALT text should briefly describe the image's content. Keep it concise and avoid unnecessary verbosity, ensuring a smooth experience for screen reader users.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Writing Effective ALT Text For Images.
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