Glossary / Alt text

What is Alt text?

Alt text is a short written description of an image. Screen readers speak it aloud, and search engines read it to understand what the image shows.

Every image on your site can carry a hidden description called alt text. People who use screen readers hear it instead of seeing the image. If the image fails to load, the alt text shows in its place.

Search engines also read alt text. It is one of the few clues they have about what a picture contains. Descriptive alt text helps your images show up in image search.

Write it like you are describing the photo to someone on the phone. 'Bakery owner boxing a dozen cinnamon rolls' beats 'image1.jpg'. Skip filler like 'picture of'.

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