Definition of Alt Text
A text description of an image used by screen readers and displayed when the image fails to load.
Explanation of Alt Text
Alt text, short for alternative text, is a descriptive attribute added to images in HTML code. Its primary purpose is to provide a text description of an image for individuals who cannot see it. This includes users with visual impairments who rely on screen readers to access web content, as well as situations where images fail to load due to technical issues. Alt text improves web accessibility by ensuring that all users can understand the content and context of an image. Additionally, alt text plays a crucial role in search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines cannot interpret images directly, so they rely on alt text to understand the image’s content and relevance to a web page. Properly written alt text can help improve a website’s search engine rankings and visibility. When creating alt text, it is important to be concise yet descriptive, accurately conveying the image’s content and purpose. For example, instead of using a generic description like “image,” a more effective alt text for a photo of a sunset over the mountains might be “sunset over the Rocky Mountains with vibrant orange and pink hues.” Including relevant keywords in the alt text can further enhance SEO benefits. However, it is essential to avoid keyword stuffing and maintain a natural, informative description. Alt text should also consider the context in which the image is used, providing enough detail to make sense within the surrounding content. Overall, alt text is a vital element for web accessibility and SEO, ensuring that images contribute to a positive and inclusive user experience.