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Writing alternative text for photographs
Share what matters in a photograph through clear, useful alternative text.
A useful description gives someone another way to experience a photograph. Alternative text, often called alt text, can be read by a screen reader and can help when an image is unavailable. Writing it is a small act of close looking: choose the information that matters to the photograph’s purpose where you are sharing it.
Start with what the photograph contributes
Brick courtyard with trees · Photograph: Yenra
Captured: 2015:03:27 14:51:14
Example alternative text
Context: a photograph in a small selection of places.
A wet brick path runs between bare trees toward three tall recessed panels in a brick courtyard.
For this photograph in a small selection of places, the path, trees, and tall panels describe an arrangement someone can follow. The wet bricks add a useful surface detail. A description does not need to list everything in the frame to give a clear starting point.
Ask what you want the image to contribute on this page. A photograph used to show a place may need different words from the same picture used to explain a particular pattern. The examples here are new editorial descriptions for the contexts stated beside them.
Choose a few useful details
Decorative rings and painted nails · Photograph: Yenra
Captured: 2015:03:27 15:09:00
Example alternative text
Context: a photograph in a selection about accessories.
Close view of two hands wearing pastel decorative rings, with dark glittered nails and a pink lace cuff.
In a selection about accessories, the rings, painted nails, and lace cuff are useful details. Begin with the main subject, then add the details that help someone understand what you are sharing. If a description grows long, choose what matters most here and put any extended discussion in the visible text.
Concrete observations are a good starting point. You can name an arrangement, an action, or a relevant color. Use known names when they help; keep guesses about a person’s feelings or story out of a factual description.
Read the words with the surrounding text
Super Sonico and Gyarados Gijinka · Photograph: Yenra
Captured: 2015:03:29 12:44:34
Example alternative text
Context: a two-person portrait with its supplied character title in the caption.
Two cosplayers stand together in blue-and-gold and pink outfits; the person in pink touches the brim of a matching cap.
The caption retains the supplied character title, Super Sonico and Gyarados Gijinka. The alternative text adds the two people’s position, clothing colors, and the gesture toward the cap. Together, the visible caption and image description offer context and visual information without needing to repeat every word.
When sharing your own picture, keep credits and useful context visible, and enter the alternative text in the platform’s image-description field. Read the description with the caption and ask whether each contributes something useful. You can revise the wording as you learn what helps your audience.
Look back with curiosity.
- What would someone need to know without seeing the picture?
- Which details serve this photograph’s purpose here?
- Do the alternative text, caption, and link each do a useful job?
Keep exploring
Writing captions that invite a closer look · Introducing a small photo collection · Photographing the details that matter · Building a small photo story
Browse the complete Zenkaikon 2015 gallery.