Images
ImagesMedium

Descriptive Alt Text

Checks that alt text is meaningful — not "image", "photo", or the filename.

What this check measures

For each alt attribute present, we check the value against filler patterns: "image", "photo", "picture", filename.jpg, or just the bare filename. Non-descriptive alt is flagged.

Why it matters

Filler alt counts as no alt for Google Images and AI citations. Screen readers read "image" repeatedly — a worse experience than no alt attribute at all.

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How our audit detects it

Regex alt values against filler patterns. Flag matches.

Typical findings

  • error_outlinealt="image"
  • error_outlinealt="IMG_2041.jpg"
  • error_outlinealt="hero-banner-final-v2"

How to fix

Rewrite alts to describe image meaning. "Woman running on beach at sunset" beats "image" or filename. Under 125 characters. AI can help with bulk rewrites — review results.

Copy-paste fix prompt for your stack

Lovable · Cursor · Bolt · v0 · Replit · Windsurf · Claude Code · Base44

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use AI to write alt?expand_more
Yes with review. Vision models describe pixels well but miss intent. Accepting raw AI output is a common source of bad alt text.

Want this checked on your site?

Pantra runs the full audit (SEO, Security, GEO, Performance, Schema, Technical, Images) in 10 seconds and generates stack-specific fix prompts.

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