Alt text or alternative text is a short "hidden" description that you can add to your picture block and gallery block images. It's used by website visitors that can't see the actual image, such as search engines and visually impaired users who may be using screen reader software. The main purpose of the alt text is to briefly describe the image to someone or something who can't see it. It also helps search engines with indexing your images.
It's considered good practice to add alt text to your images to make them more accessible.
How can I add Alt text to my picture block images?
Select the picture you wish to edit and click the pencil button.
Click on the "title text" bar to open the Title, subtitle and Alt text options. The "Main title" and "Subtitle" will appear on the image as you type, while the "Alt text" won't affect how the image looks.
How can I add Alt text to my gallery images?
Edit the gallery block you wish to add Alt text to. You'll need to add the Alt text separately to each image gallery inside the gallery.
Click on the pencil button on the image you wish to edit.
Click on the "title text" bar to open the Title and Alt text options. The "Title" will appear on the image as you type, while the "Alt text" won't affect how the image looks.
Repeat for all images in your gallery.
How to write good Alt text
Briefly describe the subject of the image, as if you were describing it to a friend.
E.g.,
"African elephant bull rolling in mud"
"Mountain bike trail map of Waikato region, New Zealand"
"Couple enjoying a New Zealand Central Otago Pinot Noir near Queenstown"
Alt-text isn't appropriate for all kinds of images, so don't feel you need to add it everywhere if you don't feel it's necessary.