Alt Text Design

Write alt text that conveys the same information and purpose as the visual content — not just what the image looks like, but what it communicates.

Core Principle

Alt text answers the question: if this image disappeared, what information would be lost? That's what needs to be in the alt text.

Decision Tree

1. Is the image purely decorative?

• Background textures, dividers, visual flourishes
• Images that repeat information already in adjacent text
• Action: use empty alt (alt="") so screen readers skip it