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Practical WordPress guides · Media and content
At a glance
Useful alternative text communicates the information an image contributes at that point. It should not be a list of target keywords.
Approach and context
Decide whether the image conveys information, performs a function or is decorative. A linked icon needs a meaningful description of its function. A complex chart may require a fuller text explanation as well. Check the rendered page, because library metadata and the settings of an individual image block may differ. Decorative imagery should be handled appropriately rather than unnecessarily announced.
Implementation checklist
- Identify the image’s purpose in the surrounding content.
- Describe the essential information concisely without keyword stuffing.
- For linked images, check whether the destination or action is understandable.
Illustrative example
In an equipment guide, a photograph shows a labelled connector. The useful information is the connector and its position, not the clothing or hair colour of someone in the background.
A common pitfall
An automatically reused filename rarely provides an adequate description.
How to check the outcome
The essential content remains understandable without the visible image, including text alternatives for complex information.
Further official documentation: W3C WAI: Images Tutorial. The exact controls depend on your theme, extensions and installed versions.