Images are an essential part of any website, and they can greatly enhance the visual appeal of your content. However, images can also be a barrier for those with visual impairments or those using assistive technologies to access your website. This is where alt text comes in.
Alt text, or alternative text, is a brief description of an image that is used to provide context and meaning to those who cannot see the image. It is also used by search engines to understand the content of an image and improve the overall SEO of your website.
In this article, we will discuss How to add alt text to images in WordPress, including the use of an alt text generator and how to add alt text to a chart in Excel.
Why is Alt Text Important?
Alt text is important for several reasons:
- Accessibility: Alt text allows those with visual impairments or using assistive technologies to understand the content of an image.
- SEO: Search engines use alt text to understand the content of an image and improve the ranking of your website.
- User experience: Alt text can enhance the user experience by providing context and meaning to images.
How to Add Alt Text to Images in WordPress
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Adding alt text to images in WordPress is a simple process. Here’s how to do it:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the post or page where you want to add an image.
- Click on the “Add Media” button above the post editor.
- Select the image you want to add from your media library or upload a new image.
- Once the image is inserted into your post, click on it to open the image details.
- In the right-hand column, you will see an “Alt Text” field. Enter a brief description of the image in this field.
- Click on the “Update” button to save your changes.
It is important to note that the alt text field may be labeled differently depending on the version of WordPress you are using. In some versions, it may be labeled as “Alternative Text” or “Image Description”.
Using an Alt Text Generator
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If you are struggling to come up with alt text for your images, you can use an alt text generator. These tools use artificial intelligence to generate alt text for your images based on their content.
One popular alt text generator is https://alttextrobot.com/. Simply upload your image, and the tool will generate alt text for you. You can then copy and paste the alt text into your WordPress image details.
While alt text generators can be helpful, it is important to review the generated text and make any necessary edits to ensure accuracy and relevance to your image.
How to Add Alt Text to a Chart in Excel
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Charts and graphs are commonly used in business and academic settings, and it is important to make them accessible to all users. Here’s how to add alt text to a chart in Excel:
- Select the chart you want to add alt text to.
- Right-click on the chart and select “Format Chart Area” from the menu.
- In the “Format Chart Area” pane, click on the “Alt Text” tab.
- In the “Description” field, enter a brief description of the chart.
- Click on the “Close” button to save your changes.
It is important to note that the “Alt Text” tab may not be visible in older versions of Excel. In this case, you can add alt text by right-clicking on the chart and selecting “Edit Alt Text” from the menu.
Best Practices for Writing Alt Text
When writing alt text, it is important to follow these best practices:
- Be descriptive: Alt text should be a brief description of the image, including important details and context.
- Be concise: Alt text should be no longer than 125 characters.
- Avoid using “image of” or “picture of”: These phrases are redundant and do not provide any useful information.
- Use keywords: If appropriate, include relevant keywords in your alt text to improve the SEO of your website.
- Do not use “click here” or “image”: These phrases do not provide any useful information and should be avoided.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When adding alt text to images, there are some common mistakes that should be avoided:
- Leaving the alt text field blank: This is a missed opportunity to provide context and meaning to an image.
- Using the same alt text for every image: Each image should have a unique alt text that accurately describes its content.
- Using alt text as a caption: Alt text and captions serve different purposes and should not be used interchangeably.
- Using alt text for decorative images: Alt text should only be used for images that convey important information.
Conclusion
Alt text is an important aspect of web accessibility and can greatly improve the user experience of your website. By following best practices and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your images are accessible to all users and improve the SEO of your website.
Remember to use an alt text generator if you are struggling to come up with descriptions for your images, and always review and edit the generated text for accuracy. With these tips, you can easily add alt text to images in WordPress and make your website more inclusive for all users.
