Alt text

Definition

Alt text, or alternative text, is a written description that accompanies an image on the web, providing information about the content and purpose of that image. This is essential for accessibility, as it allows screen readers to convey the information to visually impaired users. Additionally, alt text enhances search engine optimization (SEO) by giving context to search engines about the images on a page.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alt text should be concise yet descriptive, usually ranging from 5 to 15 words to effectively convey the image's meaning.
2. Using alt text properly can improve a website's SEO by providing additional context for search engines, leading to better indexing.
3. Images without alt text can create barriers for users relying on assistive technologies, making it critical for inclusive web design.
4. When an image fails to load, the alt text will display in its place, giving users a hint of what the image was intended to convey.
5. Alt text should avoid phrases like 'image of' or 'picture of,' as they are redundant and don't add value to the description.

Review Questions

• How does alt text contribute to web accessibility and user experience?
  • Alt text is vital for web accessibility as it provides essential descriptions for images that visually impaired users rely on through screen readers. By conveying the content and purpose of images in a textual format, alt text ensures that all users can understand and engage with visual elements on a webpage. This inclusion enhances user experience by making websites more navigable and informative for everyone.
• Discuss the role of alt text in improving SEO and its importance for web developers.
  • Alt text plays a crucial role in enhancing SEO by offering search engines context about the images on a webpage. Well-crafted alt descriptions can lead to higher rankings in image searches and improve overall site visibility. For web developers, implementing effective alt text not only fulfills accessibility standards but also attracts more traffic by optimizing images for search engine indexing.
• Evaluate the implications of neglecting alt text in digital media design regarding inclusivity and engagement.
  • Neglecting alt text in digital media design significantly undermines inclusivity by creating barriers for visually impaired users who rely on screen readers. This oversight can lead to decreased engagement from these users, as they may miss out on critical information conveyed through images. Additionally, ignoring alt text compromises a site's SEO performance and overall reach, which can diminish user interaction and limit the potential audience for digital content.

Related terms

Accessibility: The design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities, ensuring they can access and benefit from them.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization): The practice of optimizing web content to improve its visibility in search engine results, driving more traffic to a website.

Screen Reader: A software application that converts digital text into synthesized speech, enabling visually impaired users to read the content on a computer or mobile device.