About the Image Alt Text Checker
Alt text describes an image for screen reader users and for search engines, which cannot fully see images the way people do. This alt text checker fetches a public page and lists every image with its alt attribute, flagging missing alt, empty alt (fine for decorative images), alt text that looks like a file name such as IMG_2034.jpg, and alt text that runs too long.
It also notes images without width and height attributes, which can cause layout shifts, and which images use lazy-loading. Write alt text that describes what the image shows in context, in a short sentence, and include a relevant keyword only where it fits naturally. Mark purely decorative images with alt="" so assistive technology skips them.
How to use it
- Enter the page URL you want to check.
- Run the check to list every image and its alt attribute.
- Review missing, file-name-like and overly long alt text.
- Write descriptive alt text in your CMS and add width and height where missing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between missing alt and empty alt?
Missing alt means the attribute is absent, so screen readers may read out the file name, which is unhelpful. Empty alt (alt="") deliberately tells assistive technology to skip an image because it is decorative. Use empty alt for spacers and ornaments, and descriptive alt for images that carry information.
How long should alt text be?
There is no strict limit, but short and specific works best: usually a single sentence. Some screen readers handle long alt text awkwardly, and very long text often turns into keyword stuffing. If an image needs a detailed explanation, such as a complex chart, describe it in the surrounding text or a caption.
Does alt text help images rank in Google Images?
Google uses alt text, along with the page content, file name and captions, to understand what an image shows. Descriptive alt text can help images appear for relevant searches in Google Images. It is one signal among many, so a good page context and a high-quality image matter as well.