Alternate Text
Provide alternative text for images
Individuals with visual problems or other cognitive impairments are unable to comprehend information communicated through visuals without the assistance of a textual equivalent. Charts, graphs, and other non-textual content are examples of image-based content that is accessible.
Images are accompanied by textual equivalents to make the information and intent of the images more accessible. Screen-reading software must be compatible with all alternatives.
The alt attribute on the <img> and <input type="image"> tags provides alternative text for images on web pages.
Guidelines
The usage of alternative text should be guided by the following considerations:
- If the image is required for comprehending the page's content, the alt attribute should be used to express similar information in the text.
- If the image is purely aesthetic and has no bearing on the page's content, the alt attribute should be left blank (alt=""). Empty characteristics instruct screen-reading software to ignore the image entirely.
- If an image is used as a button or inside a link, the alternative text should describe the button's purpose.