Good developers know that easy accessibility is key to a successful web project. An important way to ensure accessibility is the use of alt text for images. Let’s have a closer look at the importance of alt text, best practices, and why it matters for your website's user experience.

Understanding Alt Text: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

Alt text, which stands for alternative text, is a brief description added to images on a website. It serves as a textual representation of the image and is essential for individuals with visual impairments who use screen readers to navigate the web.

Alt text ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access and understand the content on your website. It's crucial for creating an inclusive online experience.

6 tips to write effective Alt Text

1. Be Descriptive: Describe the image accurately. Mention important details, such as the subject, action, and context. Avoid vague or overly brief descriptions.

2. Concise and Clear: Keep alt text concise while providing relevant information. A clear, well-written description is more effective than a lengthy one.

3. Omit Decorative Images: Alt text is not required for purely decorative images. Use empty alt attributes or CSS for decorative elements.

4. Context Matters: Consider the context in which the image appears. The purpose of the image might change depending on its location.

5. Avoid Redundancy: If the content around the image already conveys the same information, you can use alt="" to indicate the image is decorative and redundant.

6. Alt Text Generators: Use alt text generators to help you create alt text for your images. These tools can help you follow best practices and ensure accessibility.

Northcoders Software Development Bootcamp: Web Accessibility

Web accessibility, including the effective use of alt text, is a fundamental aspect of modern web development. Northcoders' Software Development bootcamp provides comprehensive training that covers web accessibility best practices, so that you can ensure that your websites are inclusive and accessible to all users.

Discover more about Northcoders' Software Development bootcamp and the 13-week curriculum here.