Adding alt text to images

Alternative text, also known as alt text, helps people who rely on screen readers or that use accessibility tools to understand the images we use on our web pages.

Why alt text matters

Alt text isn’t just a best practice, it’s required for accessibility and for Connecticut’s Digital Accessibility Policy (PDF). Adding alt text helps:

• People using screen readers understand the purpose of images.
• People on slow connections who may not see images load.
• Search engines understand what your content is about.
• Agencies stay compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA and avoid common accessibility complaints.

Missing or incorrect alt text is one of the most frequent accessibility issues reported by Connecticut residents. Adding it takes only a few seconds and removes a major barrier for people who rely on assistive technology.

When to add alt text

Use this quick rule:

• If the image adds meaning → add alt text.
• If the image is decorative → leave the alt field blank.

Examples:

• Meaningful: photos, icons that communicate something, charts, diagrams
• Decorative: borders, background images, visual flourishes

Leaving the alt field blank for decorative images is correct - it tells screen readers to skip the image entirely.

Alt text: Bar chart showing a 25% increase in website traffic over six months.

How to add Alt text to an Image in Sitecore

1. Open Sitecore
   Click the Sitecore  icon in the top left corner to open the Sitecore Dashboard.
2. Go to the Media Library by selecting the Media Library  icon
3. Locate the Image
   

   Use the content tree to navigate to the correct folder.

   • Thumbnails will appear in the content area.
   • A red warning will appear if an image is missing alt text.
     
     
   
   
4. Edit the Image
   
   • Select the image. A details panel opens with a yellow message.
   • Click Lock and Edit to check out the image.
   
   
5. Enter Alt Text
   • Scroll to the Image section.
     
     
     
     
   • Enter appropriate alt text in the Alt field (skip this if the image is decorative as explained above).
     
     
6. Save and Check In
   • Click the Save  icon
   • Select the Edit  icon, then choose Check In  to finish editing and unlock the image.
     
     
7. Publish Content.