Generate WCAG-compliant, SEO-optimized alt text for your images in seconds. Get 3 variations tailored for search engines and screen readers.
Follow these tips to write alt text that improves accessibility and boosts image SEO.
Most screen readers cut off alt text around 125 characters. Keep descriptions concise while conveying the essential information about the image.
Work your target keyword into alt text only when it makes sense. Keyword stuffing in alt attributes hurts both SEO and accessibility.
Don't start with "Image of" or "Photo of" — screen readers already announce it as an image. Focus on what the image actually shows.
Write alt text as if you're describing the image to someone who can't see it. Focus on the information or function the image conveys.
Purely decorative images should use alt="" so screen readers skip them. Adding role="presentation" provides an extra signal to assistive technology.
For complex images like charts or infographics, describe the key data point or trend. Consider adding a longer description via aria-describedby for detailed data.
Everything you need to know about alt text and image accessibility.
Alt text (alternative text) is an HTML attribute that describes the content of an image. It serves two critical purposes: it makes images accessible to visually impaired users who rely on screen readers, and it helps search engines understand image content for better SEO rankings.
Alt text should ideally be under 125 characters. Most screen readers cut off alt text around this length, so keeping it concise ensures the full description is read aloud. However, complex images like charts or infographics may warrant longer descriptions using aria-describedby.
Every image should have an alt attribute, but not every image needs descriptive text. Decorative images that don't convey information should use an empty alt attribute (alt="") so screen readers skip them. Informational and functional images always need descriptive alt text.
Alt text helps search engines understand image content, which improves image search rankings and overall page relevance. Google uses alt text as a ranking factor for Google Images and as a context signal for the page. Including relevant keywords naturally in alt text can boost your visibility.
WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) requires that all non-text content has a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose (Success Criterion 1.1.1). This means every informational image needs alt text that conveys the same information as the image itself.
No. Screen readers already announce the element as an image, so starting with "Image of" or "Photo of" is redundant. Instead, jump straight into describing the content. For example, use "Golden retriever playing fetch in a park" instead of "Image of a golden retriever playing fetch."
For images that serve as buttons or links, the alt text should describe the action or destination rather than the image appearance. For example, a magnifying glass icon used as a search button should have alt="Search" rather than alt="magnifying glass icon."
Yes, this AI alt text generator is completely free to use. No sign-up or credit card required. You can generate as many alt text suggestions as you need to make your website more accessible and SEO-friendly.
GrandRanker helps you rank higher with AI-powered SEO content and expert strategies.