Sean Kugler is a digital accessibility analyst for NAU’s Office of Disability Resources. This post was updated on Sept. 28, 2026.
In the digital age, ensuring that content is accessible to all users is more important than ever. One key element of accessibility is alt text, a feature that provides a textual description of images for those who cannot see them. Alt text is essential for creating an inclusive online experience.
Understanding Alt Text
Alt text, short for “alternative text,” serves as a textual substitute for images, explaining their purpose and content. This is crucial for individuals who rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies, including those who are blind or have low vision. It also benefits users with slow internet connections, where images may not load fully.
The SEO Advantage
Alt text not only enhances accessibility but also boosts search engine optimization (SEO). By incorporating relevant keywords into alt text, content creators can increase the visibility of their websites, similar to the use of hashtags in social media.
When Alt Text is Unnecessary
Not every image requires alt text. Images that are purely decorative, without any informational purpose, can be marked as decorative or an artifact. These images serve to enhance visual appeal without conveying critical information.
Crafting Effective Alt Text
Effective alt text goes beyond mere description, capturing the essential message an image conveys. Consider these options for describing a photograph of NAU’s Old Main building:
- Photo of NAU’s Old Main building.
- Photo of NAU’s Old Main entrance.
- Photo of historic red brick building entrance with stairs.
- Photo of student walking down the stairs in front of Old Main.
- Photo of Rachel Kanyur walking down the stairs in front of Old Main.
Choosing appropriate alt text involves understanding the image’s significance in relation to your message.
Describing Data Visualizations
For images like flowcharts or graphs, alt text should clearly describe the data being presented. For instance, a pie chart showing computer operating system market shares might be described as:
Pie chart that shows Windows own 65.79% of the market share, while OS X has 25.32%, Chrome OS has 3.45%, 3.08% are unknown and Linux has 2.35% of the market shares.
When describing trends or insights from graphs, focus on the core message the visual is intended to communicate.
Social Media and Alt Text
Social media platforms increasingly support alt text, allowing users to include descriptions directly. By doing so, content becomes accessible to everyone, regardless of the platform’s limitations.
Encouragement to Utilize Alt Text
Take advantage of the opportunities to capture and share images, ensuring they are accessible with thoughtful alt text descriptions.
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