required attribute "ALT" not specified

[LD]

I've been of the opinion, along with many others, that the ALT tag is not mandatory. However to validate a page, it is required. While I use the tag where it makes sense, other than adding the tag to all extraneous images, what is your experience. Do you add the tag to all graphical images, extraneous or not?

[morestar]

I've been of the opinion, along with many others, that the ALT tag is not mandatory. However to validate a page, it is required. While I use the tag where it makes sense, other than adding the tag to all extraneous images, what is your experience. Do you add the tag to all graphical images, extraneous or not?

Hello LD, I do, I add the Alt and Title attribute (tag attribute) to all 'regular' images - if the image isn't 'regular - not a part of structure etc.' I simply leave the alt attribute blank and don't add the title attribute.

I think one of the core reasons we use the attribute is for accessibility reasons - sure some believe it helps in the search engines and most probably does when it comes to image searches so it's a good idea to use them. And of course you want your pages to validate so...

;)

[LD]

And of course you want your pages to validate so... ;)

Yes - validation is the main reason I ask. Having a blank alt tag validates ok, but having no alt tag where an image is concerned, does not validate. Apps like DW generate code along with blank alt tags, but it's when adding other extraneous images later, the alt tag has to be manually assigned as it's not automatically generated.

I didn't realize an image without an alt tag is a bad thing - but, according to WC3 it is. :)

[morestar]

I didn't realize an image without an alt tag is a bad thing - but, according to WC3 it is. :)

Well only 'bad' as in a bad experience for the user who's blind...


Use the alt attribute to describe the function of each visual (http://www.w3.org/QA/Tips/altAttribute).

[dburdon]

Some CMS' and design platforms such as Blogger and Wordpress allow for image captions. If there is such a facility I don't always use the alt attribute.

[johndev99]

ALT tag is designed to help blind people. It is useful to have it for img tags, but it is not a requirement. WC3 validator always complains about alt tags missing. I would ignore that error.