Start the Accessibility Checklist
Request a Website Accessibility Review
WCAG 2.2 Level AA Guide

How to Write Alt Text for Screen Readers

Describe images effectively without jargon. Learn plain-language rules to make your visuals accessible for everyone.

Screenshot of a website builder's alt text field containing 'cat photo', clean high-contrast digital UI photography, crisp studio lighting, deep navy and white tones, sharp macro focus
Screenshot of a website builder's alt text field containing 'cat photo', clean high-contrast digital UI photography, crisp studio lighting, deep navy and white tones, sharp macro focus
Screenshot of a website builder's alt text field containing 'tabby cat sleeping on a blue blanket', clean high-contrast digital UI photography, crisp studio lighting, deep navy and white tones, sharp macro focus
Screenshot of a website builder's alt text field containing 'tabby cat sleeping on a blue blanket', clean high-contrast digital UI photography, crisp studio lighting, deep navy and white tones, sharp macro focus
Screenshot of a website builder's alt text field containing 'Tabby cat curled up asleep on a blue knitted blanket.', clean high-contrast digital UI photography, crisp studio lighting, deep navy and white tones, sharp macro focus
Screenshot of a website builder's alt text field containing 'Tabby cat curled up asleep on a blue knitted blanket.', clean high-contrast digital UI photography, crisp studio lighting, deep navy and white tones, sharp macro focus
Screenshot of a website builder's alt text field containing an empty string for a decorative graphic, clean high-contrast digital UI photography, crisp studio lighting, deep navy and white tones, sharp macro focus
Screenshot of a website builder's alt text field containing an empty string for a decorative graphic, clean high-contrast digital UI photography, crisp studio lighting, deep navy and white tones, sharp macro focus
Practical Guidance

Good vs. Bad Alt Text

Poor Example: Generic

Avoid generic descriptions. This alt text provides no useful information about the image's content or purpose for a screen reader user.

Better Example: Descriptive

Focus on specific content and context. This description is clearer, but could still be more concise and purpose-driven for a screen reader.

Best Example: Purposeful

Prioritize purpose and brevity. Screen readers convey exactly what's needed without redundant phrases like 'image of' or 'picture of'.

Decorative Images: Empty

Decorative images that add no meaning should have empty alt text (alt=""). Screen readers will skip them automatically, reducing clutter.

View Testing Tools

Verify Your Accessibility Changes

After updating your alt text, use our testing tools to ensure your website is truly accessible for everyone.