Alternative text that carries no information

WCAG 1.1.1 (A) · EN 301 549 9.1.1.1

Some images have alt text that is a file name, a code, or a generic word like "image" or "photo".

Why it matters

An alt that reads "DSC_0042.jpg" or "product" satisfies the form but not the function: the person still has no idea what is in the picture. It usually happens when a catalogue was bulk-imported and the field was filled automatically.

How to fix it

Describe the actual content. For products the formula that works is: what it is + distinguishing feature + variant. "Organic cotton t-shirt in sand" works; "product" does not.

<img src="/p1.jpg" alt="image">
<img src="/p2.jpg" alt="DSC_0042.jpg">

<img src="/p1.jpg" alt="Grey running shoe with orange sole">
<img src="/p2.jpg" alt="Black canvas 20-litre backpack, side view">

On your platform

• Shopify

  If you imported your catalogue from a CSV, check the "Image Alt Text" column and re-import with real descriptions instead of file names.

• WooCommerce

  A bulk media editing plugin can populate alt text from the product title, which is almost always better than the file name.

Related

• Images with no alternative text
• Image button with no alternative text
• Image map area with no name
• Meaningful SVG icon with no name