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alt vs title

Written byPhuoc Nguyen
Category
HTML
Created
24 May, 2020
Last updated
25 Aug, 2020
Contributors
jdhines
Hydrophobefireman

Differences

  1. The `alt` attribute is the alternate text to serve as the content of element when the element isn't rendered normally.
    `<img>` is the most popular tag using the `alt` attribute.
    When an image can't be loaded, the browser will display the `alt` text in its place so the user can get an idea of why the image was included.
  2. The `title` attribute is the tooltip text seen when hovering over the element.

Good practice

Always use the `alt` attribute for `<img>` tags.
Google and other search engines can't read the image but they can see the `alt` text. Setting the `alt` attribute is a good practice for SEO (search engine optimization).
You usually won't set the `title` attribute for `<img>` unless it really provides more information about the image. But it could be argued that if you have to explain your image with title text, maybe there's a better image to use.

Tips

Here's two options for making sure you always include the `alt` attribute on the `img` tag.
  1. Use CSS to give a red outline to any `img` having a missing or blank `alt` attribute:
    img:not([alt]),
    img[alt=''] {
    outline: 8px solid red;
    }
  2. If you are using Visual Studio Code, you can install the webhint extension.
    It will automatically detect the issue and show the details when you hover on the element.
    Detect the missing alternate text with webhint
    Detect the missing alternate text with webhint

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Phước Nguyễn