← Back to Docs

Alt Text Review Checklist

A systematic guide for auditing image alternative text across your site. Catch missing, vague, or keyword-stuffed descriptions before they hurt accessibility and SEO.

1. Presence Check

  • Every <img> has an alt attribute.
  • Decorative images use alt="" (empty string).
  • SVG icons inside buttons have aria-label on the button.

2. Quality Check

  • Describes the content and function, not just “image of”.
  • Under 125 characters for standard images.
  • No keyword stuffing or redundant phrases.
  • Complex charts have a long description nearby.

3. Context Check

  • Alt text matches the surrounding content’s purpose.
  • Linked images describe the link destination.
  • E-commerce product images include key visual details.

4. Automated Audit

Run Lighthouse or axe-core. Fix every “Images must have alternate text” violation before manual review.

Pro tip: Use Meridian’s bulk alt-text scanner to flag issues across your entire domain in one pass.