Alt text

Definition

Alt text, or alternative text, is a written description of an image that provides context and meaning for individuals who cannot see the image. This description helps to ensure accessibility, allowing visually impaired users to understand the content and purpose of images in visual presentations. In addition, alt text can improve search engine optimization by providing information that search engines can index.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alt text should be concise, typically one to two sentences long, focusing on the essential details that convey the image's meaning.
2. When creating alt text, it's important to describe not just what is in the image but also its function in relation to the surrounding content.
3. Good alt text avoids phrases like 'image of' or 'picture of,' as it is already understood that the text describes an image.
4. Including relevant keywords in alt text can aid in SEO efforts, helping images to appear in search results and increasing discoverability.
5. Not all images require alt text; decorative images that do not add meaning can use an empty alt attribute (alt='') to indicate they are non-essential.

Review Questions

• How does alt text contribute to the overall accessibility of visual presentations?
  • Alt text plays a vital role in making visual presentations accessible by providing necessary descriptions of images for those who cannot see them. By offering context and meaning through these descriptions, visually impaired individuals can better understand the content and purpose of the visuals used. This inclusion fosters an equitable experience, ensuring everyone has access to the same information regardless of their visual abilities.
• In what ways can effective alt text enhance the user experience beyond just accessibility?
  • Effective alt text enhances user experience by ensuring that all users, including those relying on screen readers, receive comprehensive information about images. It aids in conveying crucial context related to the visual content, making the overall message clearer and more engaging. Furthermore, well-crafted alt text can improve SEO, leading to better visibility in search engines and attracting a wider audience interested in the content presented.
• Evaluate how poorly written alt text can affect both accessibility and SEO for visual presentations.
  • Poorly written alt text can severely hinder both accessibility and SEO outcomes for visual presentations. If alt text is vague or missing critical information, it leaves visually impaired users without a proper understanding of the image's purpose or relevance. This not only diminishes their experience but also violates accessibility standards. From an SEO perspective, inadequate alt text fails to provide search engines with valuable context about the image, resulting in lower visibility in search results and reduced traffic. Therefore, crafting clear and informative alt text is essential for achieving both inclusive design and effective online presence.

Related terms

Accessibility: The design of products, devices, services, or environments to be usable by people with disabilities.

Screen Reader: A software application that converts text displayed on a computer screen into speech or braille output for visually impaired users.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization): The practice of optimizing web pages to rank higher in search engine results, increasing visibility and traffic.