DEFINITION:
Alt text, short for alternative text, refers to the descriptive text that is added to an image in order to provide a textual representation of the image content. This text is read by screen readers or displayed when an image cannot be loaded, helping visually impaired individuals understand the visual elements on a webpage or document.
FAQs:
1. Why is alt text important?
Alt text is important because it makes images accessible to individuals with visual impairments. It provides a textual description of the image, allowing screen readers to convey the information to those who are unable to see the image themselves.
2. How should alt text be written?
Alt text should be concise and descriptive. It should accurately convey the content and purpose of the image, providing enough detail for someone to understand its meaning without visual context. Ideally, it should be less than 125 characters and written in plain language.
3. What should be included in alt text?
Alt text should include relevant information about the image, such as its subject, function, and any important details. It should not include phrases like “image of” or “picture of,” as screen readers already identify it as an image.
4. When should alt text be used?
Alt text should be used for all images that convey meaningful information or serve a specific purpose. This includes charts, diagrams, infographics, and decorative images. However, alt text is not necessary for purely decorative images that do not provide any additional information.
5. How can I test if my alt text is effective?
To test the effectiveness of your alt text, you can use accessibility tools and screen readers to evaluate how well the image content is conveyed. Additionally, try temporarily disabling the image display on your webpage or document to see if the alt text provides sufficient information for understanding the image.