Recommended practice Priority: Minor
Image description repeats the text next to it
An image's alternative text is the same as the visible text beside it, for example a product photo with the alt text "Blue linen shirt" in a link that also says "Blue linen shirt". This is a recommended practice, not a WCAG AA requirement.
This text was translated automatically and has not been reviewed by a native speaker yet.
Why it matters to your customers
Screen reader users hear the same words twice, and on a category page this repeats on every product card. Browsing becomes slower and more tiring, although no information is lost.
Who is affected
- screen reader users
- blind people
- people using braille displays
How to fix it
If the image adds nothing beyond the nearby text, give it an empty alt (alt="") so screen readers skip it. If it shows something useful, write alt text that describes what is different, such as the colour or the angle, instead of repeating the product name. Keep the visible text as it is.
On Shopify
Common in product cards where the theme uses the product title as image alt next to the title link. Adjust the card snippet in Liquid to use an empty alt when the title is right there, or write distinct alt text for product media in the admin.
On Shoptet (CZ)
Alt text of product images usually comes from the product name or the image description. Fill in distinct image descriptions in the product settings; for template behaviour, ask Shoptet or a partner.
On PrestaShop
Product images in lists often get the product name as alt text automatically. Edit the image captions on the product page, or adjust the theme's product miniature template.
On WooCommerce
Often happens when product images use the product name as alt text in shop listings. Change the alt text in the media library, or adjust the listing template in a child theme.
Standards
Not a WCAG success criterion: a recommended practice that makes the site easier to use.
Automated check: axe-core rule image-redundant-alt.
dequeuniversity.com, github.com, www.w3.org