Image Alt Text Accessibility Skill

Canonical source: examples/IMAGE_ALT_TEXT_ACCESSIBILITY_BEST_PRACTICES.md in mgifford/ACCESSIBILITY.md This skill is derived from that file. When in doubt, the example is authoritative.

Apply these rules when creating, reviewing, or auditing any page containing images. Only load this skill if the project contains <img> elements, inline SVG images used as content, or CSS background images that may convey meaning.

Core Mandate

WCAG 2.2 SC 1.1.1 Non-text Content (A): every non-text element must have a text alternative serving the equivalent purpose. There is no exception for decorative images — they require an explicit empty alt="". Alternative text is determined by the image's purpose in its specific context, not by the file alone: the same asset may need different alt text, or none, in different uses.