@susan
Alt text (short for alternative text) is a description of an image that can be read by screen readers for the visually impaired. Alt text is an important accessibility feature that helps to ensure that all users, regardless of their abilities, can access the content on your website. Here are some steps to follow when using alt text for images:
- Identify the purpose of the image: Before adding alt text, you need to understand the purpose of the image. Is it decorative or functional? Does it provide additional information to the user? This information will help you create an accurate and relevant alt text.
- Keep it concise: Alt text should be concise and to the point. It should convey the essential information about the image without being too lengthy. The ideal length is between 125-150 characters.
- Be descriptive: Alt text should be descriptive and convey the meaning and context of the image. Use keywords and phrases that accurately describe the image and its content.
- Don't use "image of" or "picture of": It's unnecessary to start the alt text with "image of" or "picture of." Instead, start with the subject or object being depicted in the image.
- Avoid using phrases like "blank" or "empty": If the image is blank or empty, use alt text to indicate that it's a decorative image or has no content.
- Add it to the HTML code: Once you have written the alt text, add it to the HTML code of the image. You can do this by using the "alt" attribute in the "img" tag.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your alt text is accurate, concise, and provides valuable information to all users, including those with visual impairments.