Alt-Text Checker

Finds images without an alt attribute across multiple sitemap URLs. 10 URLs are visible for free, additional checking areas and up to 2,500 URLs are offered by the complete website audit.

Why Alt Texts Are Important

Alternative texts make image information accessible to screen readers. They also help to better classify image content when images are not loaded or users rely on text-based output.

For SEO, alt texts are also relevant because they provide image context. However, the decisive factor is that the text should describe the function or information of the image, not simply repeat keywords.

Typical alt-text problems

Informative images without alt attribute.
Icons or buttons whose purpose is not specified in the text.
Product images without a helpful description.
Decorative images without empty alt="".

Alt-Text Checker FAQ

Does each image have to have a long alternative text?

No. Decorative images can have an empty alt attribute. Informative images should be described briefly and purpose-oriented.

Does the tool also check the quality of the alt texts?

The automated check detects missing alt attributes. Whether an existing alternative text is good content, should also be checked manually.

Prioritize alt texts correctly

The check is a starting point for editorial and technical rework. Critical first are images that convey information, explain actions or show products, people, diagrams and states. Decorative images, on the other hand, do not need a keyword, but a deliberately empty alt attribute.

Prioritisation in practice

Check product, team and chart images with information value
Secure icon buttons with visible or programmatic names
Replace keyword repetitions with real image description

Next meaningful check

For a larger website, the WCAG Checker is worthwhile because it evaluates alt texts together with forms, language, landmarks and link texts.

When an Alt Text Find is Critical

High priority is given to images without which a content cannot be understood: diagrams, screenshots, product images, infographics and icons with action. There, the alternative text should provide the same information as the image, not just repeat a single keyword.

In decorative images, on the other hand, a deliberately empty alt attribute is often better. Thus, there is no unnecessary reading effort and the actual content remains detectable faster.

All accessibility tools Starting a website audit

Differentiate a decorative image from a functional image

Practical example · for illustration

Starting position

Compare a decorative dividing line with a picture link to the homepage.

Classify the findings

alt="" may be correct for the dividing line. For an image as the only link content, the link needs a comprehensible accessible name.

Specific amendment

Decoration empty; with the unique logo link appropriately name the purpose, such as “example company – homepage”.

Control and border

Check link with screen reader or in the accessibility tree. Automatic checking cannot fully assess the substantive adequacy.