Is 'alt text' only for blind users?

No, it also helps when images fail to load, aids in SEO, and assists users with certain cognitive disabilities.

How long should alt text be?

It should be concise but meaningful, typically a short phrase or sentence. Context is key.

Should decorative images have alt text?

Decorative images that don't convey content should have an empty alt attribute (alt="") to be ignored by screen readers.

What's the difference between alt text and a caption?

Alt text is a hidden description for accessibility; a caption is visible text adjacent to an image, often providing commentary or citation for all users.

Is “alt text” formal?

Alt text is usually technical / semi-formal in register.

How do you pronounce “alt text”?

Alt text: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɔːlt ˌtɛkst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɔlt ˌtɛkst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

alt text: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈɔːlt ˌtɛkst/US/ˈɔlt ˌtɛkst/

Technical / Semi-Formal

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “alt text” mean?

A text description added to a digital image, graphic, or chart to convey its content or function, primarily for accessibility.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A text description added to a digital image, graphic, or chart to convey its content or function, primarily for accessibility.

A descriptive attribute (alt="...") in HTML or other markup languages that serves users who cannot see the image (e.g., screen reader users) and appears if the image fails to load. Also used in document authoring and social media for accessibility and SEO.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant lexical differences. Spelling conventions follow national norms in surrounding text (e.g., 'colour' in UK descriptions).

Connotations

Neutral technical term in both varieties.

Frequency

Equally common in professional/web development contexts in both regions.

Grammar

How to Use “alt text” in a Sentence

add [alt text] to [an image][image] has [alt text]write [alt text] for [a chart]the [alt text] describes

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

write alt textadd alt textimage alt textmeaningful alt textdescriptive alt text

medium

missing alt textalt text attributeprovide alt textshort alt textappropriate alt text

weak

detailed alt textcomplex alt textcheck alt textupdate alt text

Examples

Examples of “alt text” in a Sentence

verb

British English

Please remember to alt-text all new infographics.
She carefully alt-texted the complex diagram.

American English

You need to alt-text the banner image.
They're alt-texting the product photos for the site.

adjective

British English

The alt-text field was left empty.
Follow the alt-text guidelines.

American English

An alt-text description is required.
Check the alt-text requirements.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Important for inclusive workplace communications and accessible marketing materials.

Academic

Used in creating accessible course materials and publications.

Everyday

Relevant when posting images on social media or community websites.

Technical

Core web accessibility concept (WCAG); part of HTML element attributes.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “alt text”

Strong

alt attribute

Neutral

alternative textimage description

Weak

text alternativeaccessibility description

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “alt text”

empty alt attributedecorative image (no alt text)

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “alt text”

Writing 'image of...' or 'picture of...' redundantly.
Using alt text for decorative images (should be alt="").
Writing overly long or vague descriptions.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it also helps when images fail to load, aids in SEO, and assists users with certain cognitive disabilities.
: It should be concise but meaningful, typically a short phrase or sentence. Context is key.
: Decorative images that don't convey content should have an empty alt attribute (alt="") to be ignored by screen readers.
: Alt text is a hidden description for accessibility; a caption is visible text adjacent to an image, often providing commentary or citation for all users.
: A text description added to a digital image, graphic, or chart to convey its content or function, primarily for accessibility.
: Alt text is usually technical / semi-formal in register.
: Alt text: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɔːlt ˌtɛkst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɔlt ˌtɛkst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Alt text is worth a thousand words (play on 'a picture is worth...').”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think ALTernative way to 'see' the TEXT.

Conceptual Metaphor

AN IMAGE'S VOICE (it 'speaks' its content to those who can't see it).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

For accessibility, you must provide meaningful for all informational images.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary purpose of alt text?