how to write alt text

All images, whether photos or graphics, get alt text assigned to them.

Alt text for photos should include the following:

• When and where was the photo taken.
• How many people are in the photo.
• A basic description of the action of these people and any basic relevant emotions or expressions is fine.
  any important details about the photo such as weather conditions, landmarks, signs, action, etc.

Alt text for infographics and other data visualization should include:

• The image or chart type.
• The type of data or what’s in the image.
• The reason for including the image or chart.

Alt text for art or drawings should be written in a similar manner to photos, noting that they are showing and what kind of art or drawing.

Best practice is less than 250 characters. More detail can be included in a photo or image cutline or other image description included with the image on the web page.

Alt text will be coded after the image source, making alt a required part of the <img> tag similar to src. For example:

<img src="11272025protest.png" alt="About 100 protesters outside the Iowa State Capitol to protest statewide school budget cuts on the afternoon of November 27, 2025. Signs read, We can read your budget! and We love schools!">

Also see alt text.

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