Alt text is a raw filename

What’s wrong

The alt text is a leftover filename, something like IMG_4821.jpg or hero-banner-final-v2.png, instead of a description of the image.

Why it matters

A screen reader reads the filename literally. “IMG underscore 4821 dot jpg” tells the user nothing about what’s in the photo.

How to fix it

Replace it with a short description of what the image shows or communicates.

<img src="/uploads/IMG_4821.jpg" alt="IMG_4821.jpg">

<img src="/uploads/IMG_4821.jpg" alt="Team standing outside the new office entrance">

This usually happens when a CMS auto-fills alt text from the uploaded file. Check your upload flow so editors are prompted to write real descriptions.

Learn more

• WCAG Understanding 1.1.1
• WebAIM: Alternative Text