Success Criterion 1.1.1
Conformance level A
W3C reference F30

Alt Text Left as a Filename Instead of a Real Description

1.1.1 — Non-text Content

Scenario

Setting

A job board's application form

What’s wrong

The 'alt text' is not really a description — it's a filename (IMG_0234.jpg) or filler word like 'image', which tells the user nothing.

Example

A job board's application form runs into this exact issue: the 'alt text' is not really a description — it's a filename (IMG_0234.jpg) or filler word like 'image', which tells the user nothing.

Why it matters

Blind and low-vision people using screen readers, and anyone who browses with images disabled, when icons or photos carry meaning. In this case (a job board's application form), they are left guessing what the media actually shows.

How to test

Right-click the image and check its alt in DevTools: values like 'IMG_2384.jpg', 'image', or 'photo' are not descriptions and fail.

How to fix

Replace filenames/placeholders with a real description that serves the image's purpose.

Outcome

Once corrected, a job board's application form lets them hear or read what the media conveys.

Who is affected

Blind and low-vision people using screen readers, and anyone who browses with images disabled, when icons or photos carry meaning.

Learn more

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