#  Write Alt Text That Adds Value 

 



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Alternative (Alt) text is one of the simplest and most effective ways to make your content more accessible. HarvardSites provides an alt text field for images added to your site. Understanding what to write as alt text, and when not to write anything, helps make your site clearer for all users, especially those using screen readers.



 

##  Why it matters 

 



 

**Inclusion:** Alt text describes images for people who cannot see them, supporting equal access.

**Clarity:** Good alt text reinforces the message or purpose of the image without repeating nearby text.

**Noise reduction:** Skipping alt text for decorative images prevents screen readers from announcing unnecessary information.



 



      ![Image placeholder icon with an ALT label](/sites/g/files/omnuum631/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-12/images_alt_0.png?itok=qqWi4ZI_) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

##  How to do it 

- **Describe the purpose, not just the content.**
    
    Instead of: *“A woman standing at a podium.”*
    
    Try: *“Keynote speaker welcoming attendees at the IT Summit.”*
    
    Focus on what the image is communicating in the context of the page.
- **Skip alt text for purely decorative images.**
    
    If an image does not add meaning (like a background texture), leave the alt field empty.
    
    HarvardSites treats empty alt fields as “null,” which tells screen readers to skip them.
- **Do not repeat surrounding text.**
    
    Avoid restating captions, headlines, or button text.
    
    Example: If a card heading says “Apply Now,” the alt text for a photo should not be “Apply Now.”



 

##  Accessibility tips 

- Do not start with “Image of...” or “Photo of...” because screen readers already announce it is an image.
- Use plain language, active voice, and keep it short—ideally one sentence.
- For charts or maps, summarize the key insight in the alt text and link to a full data description if needed.



 

##  Resources 

- [W3C WAI: Alt Text Decision Tree](https://www.w3.org/WAI/tutorials/images/decision-tree/)
- [WebAIM: Alternative Text Basics](https://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/)
- [Harvard Digital Accessibility Services](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/)



 

 



 

 See also:- [ Accessibility ](/how-guides-topics/accessibility)
- [ Content Clarity ](/how-guides-topics/content-clarity)
- [ How-To Guides ](/page-categories/how-guides)