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HTML <img> alt Attribute

HTML img Tag Reference HTML <img> tag

Example

An image with an alternate text specified:

<img src="smiley.gif" alt="Smiley face">

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Browser Support

Internet Explorer Firefox Opera Google Chrome Safari

The alt attribute is supported in all major browsers.


Definition and Usage

The required alt attribute specifies an alternate text for an image, if the image cannot be displayed.

The alt attribute provides alternative information for an image if a user for some reason cannot view it (because of slow connection, an error in the src attribute, or if the user uses a screen reader).

Note: Internet Explorer (prior version 9) displays the value of the alt attribute as a tooltip, when mousing over the image. This is NOT the correct behavior, according to the HTML specification.

Tip: To create a tooltip for an image, use the title attribute!


Differences Between HTML 4.01 and HTML5

NONE.


Syntax

<img alt="text">

Attribute Values

Value Description
text Specifies an alternate text for an image.

Guidelines for the alt text:

  • The text should describe the image if the image contains information
  • The text should explain where the link goes if the image is inside an <a> element
  • Use alt="" if the image is only for decoration


HTML img Tag Reference HTML <img> tag

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