AI, Alt Text and Accessible Images
Use automation to draft descriptions without losing context or human judgment.
Describe the purpose
Good alt text explains what a user needs from an image in its specific context. The same photograph may need a description in a news article and empty alt text when used as decoration. Listing every visible object is rarely useful.
AI can draft a caption, identify text and suggest important details, but it does not automatically know why the publisher chose the image.
A human review loop
Ask whether the description conveys the same information or function available to a sighted user. Remove guesses about emotion, identity or demographic traits unless they are necessary and supported. Preserve exact wording when an image contains meaningful text.
Complex charts may need a short alt description plus a nearby data table or longer explanation.
Avoid keyword stuffing
Alt text is an accessibility feature, not a place to repeat search phrases. Clear, concise language helps people and usually supports better content quality as a result.
Try an idea and review your result before saving your edits.