How to Write Alt Text for Images: Guide with

Alt text (alternative text) describes images for screen readers and search engines. Good alt text improves accessibility and helps your images rank in Google Image search.

What Is Alt Text?

Alt text is an HTML attribute that provides a text description of an image. It appears when an image fails to load and is read aloud by screen readers for visually impaired users.

Why Alt Text Matters

Accessibility: Over 2.2 billion people globally have visual impairments. Screen readers rely on alt text to describe images.

SEO Benefits: Google cannot see images the way humans do. Alt text helps search engines understand image content.

How to Write Good Alt Text

Be specific and descriptive: Describe what is actually in the image
Keep it under 125 characters: Screen readers cut off longer text
Include your keyword naturally: Only if it makes sense
Skip image of or picture of: Screen readers already announce it is an image

Alt Text Examples

Bad: "Image" or "Photo" or "IMG_2847.jpg"

Better: "Dog playing"

Best: "Golden retriever catching a red frisbee in a sunny park"

When to Leave Alt Text Empty

Use empty alt text (alt="") for decorative images that add no informational value, like background patterns or design elements.