How to Write Useful Image Alt Text as a Beginner

Ask what information or action the image contributes in this specific page. The same photograph may need different alt text in a news article, product card or decorative banner.

Describe the purpose needed by the reader rather than every visible detail.

Write a short description that communicates the meaningful content. Include text shown inside the image only when that text matters and is not available nearby.

Do not start every description with “image of”; assistive technology already identifies an image element.

Read the heading, caption and surrounding paragraph before writing. If they already provide the same information, adjust the alt text to add only what is necessary.

Repetition can make a page slower and more frustrating to navigate with a screen reader.

An image that adds no information may need an empty alt attribute so assistive technology can skip it. Do not omit the attribute accidentally.

Use the correct implementation for the project and test it; decorative treatment should not hide meaningful content.

For an image used as a link or button, describe the action or destination, not merely its appearance.

For example, the accessible name should explain what happens when the control is activated.

Inspect the HTML, use keyboard navigation and listen with an available screen reader or accessibility tool. Ask whether the page still communicates its meaning when images are unavailable.

Practising accessibility can strengthen a portfolio, but it does not guarantee employment, recognised certification or a particular role.

Should alt text include every colour? Only when colour is meaningful. Is a caption the same as alt text? No. Should decorative images have descriptive alt text? Usually not; use the implementation appropriate to the image’s actual purpose.