When an image is the only link content, its alt text needs to tell the visitor where the link goes, not merely describe colors in the picture. The important question is always where the link leads and whether the person reading the page can predict it.
What You Need to Know
If visible text next to the same linked image already names the destination, a null alt may avoid repeating the name. Consider the whole link's accessible name.
Links are the pathways through a website. The words on a link should help someone choose where to go before clicking it.
Example: See It in Action
This example keeps the idea small. Copy it carefully, then follow the explanation instead of guessing what the browser will do.
This is a short HTML fragment. To try it as a webpage, put it inside the body element of a complete HTML document.
<a href="club.html">
<img src="images/club-logo.svg" alt="Open the Science Club homepage">
</a>
<a href="photos.html">View all school photos</a>Let’s Understand the Example
- An a element becomes a working link when it has an href. Its visible text should tell readers where they will go.
- Img displays an image. Src chooses the file and alt provides a useful text alternative.
- Href contains the destination of a link. A value starting with # points to an id on the same page.
- Src tells the browser where to find an image or other embedded resource.
- Alt supplies a text alternative for an image. Empty alt is appropriate for purely decorative images.
An image appears only if its file path is correct. If it is informative, its alt text should share the same useful meaning; if it is decoration, empty alt text is often right.
What Should You See?
You should see a link named “View all school photos”. Selecting it leads to club.html when that destination exists. Try it with the mouse and the keyboard.
Imagine this link is read out of context. Would its text still explain the destination? Rename unclear links before trying to make them look nicer with CSS.
Try It Yourself
- Write an alt text that describes the destination of a linked logo.
- Save your changes, open or refresh the page, and compare the result with the original example.
- Tell a friend what your change did. If you are not sure, undo it, refresh the page, and compare.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Using alt="image" for a link that opens the club homepage.
- Avoid dead links, empty href values and clickable-looking text without a real destination.
Key Takeaways
- When an image is the only link content, its alt text needs to tell the visitor where the link goes, not merely describe colors in the picture.
- An a element becomes a working link when it has an href. Its visible text should tell readers where they will go.
- If visible text next to the same linked image already names the destination, a null alt may avoid repeating the name. Consider the whole link's accessible name.