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How to Write Meaningful Image Alt Text
Good alt text does not describe every visible detail. It communicates the information users need in the page context.
Summary
- First decide whether the image is decorative, informative, actionable, product-related, chart-like, or text-as-image.
- Alt text should cover what users would miss if they cannot see the image.
- AI can draft suggestions, but humans still need to confirm context, accuracy, and tone.
Start with purpose, not visual description
The same image may need different text in different contexts. A decorative brand image may not need to be announced; a product image may need style, color, or state; a chart may need trend and key values.
Common patterns
Use these categories to decide the direction quickly.
- Decorative images: usually use empty alt text to avoid noise.
- Informative images: provide the necessary information the image carries.
- Images inside links or buttons: describe the action purpose.
- Product images: describe appearance, state, or differences that affect choice.
- Charts: summarize the conclusion and provide nearby data or full text when needed.
What to check when using AI suggestions
DevCheck can help generate image alternative-text suggestions, but AI does not fully know the image’s role on your page. Before using a suggestion, check whether it captures the point, over-describes, misses the action purpose, or uses the wrong tone.
Related pages
- Accesserty DevCheck
Run browser-based checks on local builds, staging pages, authenticated screens, and interactive states.
- Alt text glossary page
- Accessibility testing before launch guide
- Automated accessibility checks limits guide