How to Add Alt Text to Images in WordPress

What alt text is and why it matters

Alt text, short for alternative text, is a written description of an image. It is used when an image cannot be displayed and by assistive technologies such as screen readers.

For WordPress websites, alt text is important because it helps:

• Improve accessibility for users with visual impairments
• Give search engines more context about your images
• Make your content easier to maintain across pages and posts

How to add alt text in WordPress Media Library

The easiest way to add alt text is through the WordPress Media Library.

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Media and open the image you want to edit.
3. Find the Alt Text field in the image details panel.
4. Write a short, accurate description of the image.
5. Save your changes.

How to add alt text while editing a post or page

You can also set alt text while editing a post or page.

1. Open the post or page in the WordPress editor.
2. Select the image block.
3. Open the image settings in the right sidebar.
4. Enter your alt text in the Alt Text field.
5. Update or publish the page.

Best practices for writing alt text

Good alt text is helpful, specific, and concise.

Keep it descriptive

Describe what is visible in the image. For example:

• Good: WordPress dashboard showing the alt text field
• Bad: image

Do not stuff keywords

Alt text should sound natural. It is okay to mention a keyword when it fits the image, but avoid repeating phrases just for SEO.

Keep it short

In most cases, one clear sentence is enough.

Describe the image, not the page

Alt text should reflect the actual image content, not the entire page topic.

Common mistakes to avoid

Here are the most common mistakes people make:

• Leaving alt text blank on important images
• Using the same alt text for every image
• Writing too much detail
• Using keywords in a forced way
• Starting every line with image of or picture of

When to leave alt text empty

Not every image needs alt text.

If an image is purely decorative, such as a background pattern or icon that does not add meaning, it may be better to leave the alt text empty so screen readers can skip it.

How AltTextMaker can help

If you manage many WordPress images, AltTextMaker can help you draft alt text faster.

• Upload an image
• Generate a clear description
• Review and edit before publishing

This is useful for product images, blog graphics, screenshots, landing pages, and other content-heavy WordPress workflows.

FAQ

Should alt text include keywords?

Only if the keyword naturally fits the image. Do not force keywords into every alt text field.

How long should alt text be?

Usually one short sentence is enough. Focus on clarity, not length.

Is alt text the same as the image title?

No. Alt text is for accessibility and image understanding. The image title is a separate field.

Can WordPress automatically generate alt text?

Some plugins and workflows can assist with automation, but manual review is still important for quality and accuracy.

Final thoughts

Adding alt text to WordPress images is a small step that can improve accessibility and help your site perform better in search.

If you want to speed up the process, AltTextMaker gives you a practical way to generate alt text faster while still keeping a human review step before publishing.