Why use the "Alt" (Alternative Text) Tag for an Image

Author: Tripp W Black

Created: 08/26/1999 at 07:51 PM

 

Category:
General Web Tips
HTML

1st - It gives you ability to give supplemental information to an I.E. 3.x or Netscape 4.x user on what the image is (if not a hyperlink) and/or to what the image links (if a hyperlink).

The following image shows what happens when the user's cursor runs over the feedback icon in the Wake County Home Page. A javascript rollover causes one effect, but the text in the box is caused by the Alt tag.


2nd - If a web user with a slow internet connection or one with a web browser which doesn't support images (or images are turned off), accesses your site, they will have text put in the picture area/box where the image would be describing the image.

An example without alt text, below, shows just a box with an image icon and no helpful information.


Below, is a page where images have alt tags. Not only is there now text next to that image icon within the blank box; but there is also still the text within the square when the mouse goes over the image.



How to set the "Alt" Tag:
  1. Select the image within the web page.
  2. Right click the image and select the option "Image Properties".
  3. Fill in the "Alternative Representation" text section. (see the dialog box image below).
    (Leave the "Low Res[olution]" option blank.)
  4. Press "OK".
  5. Save the web page.



Related Topics:

How to create a hyperlink from an image


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