How to Fix Alternative Text Issues

The purpose of alternative text (also known as just "alt text") is to provide a textual alternative to non-text content in web pages, as we discuss in our Alternative Text Help page. Below, we cover how to add or edit the alternative text on images depending on which element was used to add the image.

An important reminder regarding the importance of alternative text is that visually impaired users rely on screen readers, which read the alternative text on images aloud.

Alternative text iconMissing alternative text
Add appropriate alternative text that presents the content of the image and/or the function of the link.
alternative text iconLinked image missing alternative text
Add appropriate alternative text that presents the content of the image and/or the function of the link.

suspicious alternative text iconSuspicious alternative text
Ensure that the alternative text for the image or image input provides a succinct, yet equivalent alternative to the content and function of the image.

same alternative text iconA nearby image has the same alternative text
Ensure that the alternative text for each image or image button is appropriate while removing unnecessary redundancy.

Locate the Page with the Image

You should be able to find the page easily through the navigation manager in the Webmaster Center either by expanding each section to find the page or through the full site map.

Navigation Manager

Image Inserted with the Rich Text Editor

Click the pencil icon to edit the RTE as shown below, and double-click on the image that you need to add or edit the alternative text.

sample rich text editor element
 

In the next screen, add or edit the text in the alternative text box as needed and click Update at the bottom of the page to save your changes and then click Save & Exit. Be sure to republish the page afterward.

add alternative text in RTE

Image Inserted with Picture Element

Click on the pencil icon on the element and then add or edit the alternative text as needed:

Add alt text in picture element

Image Inserted in a Slideshow

Click on the pencil icon to edit the slideshow, click on the image you wish to update, and then add or edit the alternative text as shown in the example below:

Add alternative text to slideshow images