A short written description attached to an image that assistive software reads aloud, and that appears if the picture fails to load. It lets people who can't see the image still understand what it shows.
Synonyms
- alternative text
- alt attribute
- alt tag
Related terms
In plain words
- the words that describe a picture for people who can't see it
- the hidden description of an image
Usage example
Every product photo needs alt text so screen-reader users know what's pictured.
Don't confuse with…
- captionsA caption is visible text below an image that everyone reads; alt text is usually hidden and meant for assistive technology.
Categories
- Accessibility