Alt text

Definition

Alt text, short for alternative text, is a written description that accompanies an image on a webpage, serving as a substitute for the image when it cannot be displayed or seen. It plays a crucial role in web accessibility, allowing individuals with visual impairments to understand the content and context of images through screen readers. Alt text is also essential for SEO, as it provides search engines with information about the image, improving the visibility of web pages in search results.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alt text should be concise yet descriptive, typically ranging from 5 to 15 words, providing clear information about the image.
2. It is important to avoid using phrases like 'image of' or 'picture of' in alt text since screen readers already indicate that it's an image.
3. In cases where images are purely decorative and do not convey important information, empty alt text (alt='') should be used to ensure screen readers skip them.
4. Search engines use alt text to index images, which can improve a site's SEO by helping it appear in image searches.
5. Properly implemented alt text contributes significantly to meeting accessibility standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).

Review Questions

• How does alt text enhance the accessibility of web content for users with disabilities?
  • Alt text enhances web accessibility by providing essential descriptions of images for users who rely on screen readers. These users cannot see images, so alt text enables them to understand what is being presented visually. By including descriptive alt text, designers ensure that visually impaired individuals can comprehend the context and meaning behind images, making web content more inclusive and accessible.
• What are some best practices for writing effective alt text that aligns with accessibility guidelines?
  • Effective alt text should be concise yet informative, typically avoiding unnecessary phrases like 'image of' because screen readers recognize images. Descriptions should focus on the key elements and purpose of the image, capturing important details without overwhelming users. Additionally, it’s crucial to provide empty alt text for decorative images to prevent cluttering the experience of users relying on screen readers. Following these practices helps meet accessibility standards and improves user experience.
• Evaluate the impact of not including alt text on a website's SEO and accessibility compliance.
  • Not including alt text can severely impact a website's SEO by preventing search engines from effectively indexing images, which reduces visibility in image search results. Furthermore, it creates significant barriers for users with visual impairments, making it difficult or impossible for them to access crucial information conveyed through images. This non-compliance with accessibility standards can lead to legal repercussions and diminish the overall user experience for all visitors, emphasizing the importance of integrating alt text into web design.

Related terms

Screen Reader: A software application that converts digital text into synthesized speech or braille output, allowing visually impaired users to access content on a computer or mobile device.

Web Accessibility: The practice of making websites usable for all people, including those with disabilities, by following guidelines and standards to remove barriers that prevent access to content.

Image Description: A detailed textual representation of an image that explains its content and context, often used in conjunction with alt text to enhance understanding for users.