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Email Structure

Alt Text

Alternative text that describes an image for users who cannot see it or when images do not load.

Definition

Alt text (alternative text) is a written description added to images in HTML that displays when the image cannot be loaded or is read aloud by screen readers for visually impaired users. In email, alt text is crucial because many email clients block images by default, and users may see only the alt text until they choose to display images.

Why It Matters

With many email clients blocking images by default, alt text ensures your message is still conveyed when images do not display. It also makes your emails accessible to subscribers using screen readers. Well-written alt text can maintain engagement even with images off.

How It Works

Alt text is added to the alt attribute of image tags in HTML. When an image fails to load or is blocked, the browser or email client displays this text instead. Screen readers announce the alt text to describe images to visually impaired users.

Best Practices

  • 1Write descriptive alt text that conveys the image's message
  • 2Include call-to-action text in button image alt text
  • 3Keep alt text concise but meaningful
  • 4Style alt text with color and size for better display when images are blocked

Frequently Asked Questions

Describe what the image shows and its purpose. For product images, include the product name. For decorative images, you can use empty alt text. For buttons, describe the action like 'Shop Now Button'.

Keep alt text under 125 characters for screen reader compatibility. Be concise but descriptive enough to convey the image's purpose and any important information.