Alt text is the single most common accessibility issue on the web. The rule is simpler than people think: describe the image’s purpose, not every pixel.
If an image conveys information, describe it: alt="Bar chart showing 2026 revenue up 30%". If it’s purely decorative, give it an empty alt (alt="") so screen readers skip it — but never omit the attribute entirely.
Aim for a short, specific phrase. Skip "image of" or "photo of" — screen readers already announce that it’s an image. For a logo, the alt text is usually the company name.
If an image is inside a link or button, the alt text should describe the action, not the picture — e.g., a magnifying-glass icon that submits search should be alt="Search".
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