Writing alt text for images
Alt text describes an image for screen readers and helps search engines understand the photo. Set it on the attachment in the media library so every place that image appears can reuse it. Prepare files first with Formatting images.
Add alt text in the media library
- Go to Media → Library and open an image (or choose one in a media modal).
- Find Alternative Text (sometimes shortened to Alt Text) in the attachment details.
- Write a short, specific description of what the image shows.
- Leave the field empty only when the image is purely decorative.
Save is automatic in the media modal; on the classic edit screen, update the attachment if prompted.
Good alt text names the subject (“Volunteer packing food boxes at the community pantry”), not the file name or “image of…”.
Draft alt text with AI (optional)
When Dirigible AI Alt Text is installed:
- Go to Dirigible → AI Alt Text.
- Under API Configuration, choose OpenRouter or OpenAI and enter an API key (session keys are not saved unless the site already has a persistent OpenRouter key).
- Choose a Model.
- Review Images Without Alt Text.
- Click Generate All Alt Text to draft missing descriptions, or Generate Alt Text on a single image card.
- Open important images in the media library and edit any draft that needs a human touch.
Automatic generation on upload
On the same screen, under Automatic Generation, turn on Automatically generate alt text when images are uploaded when a site OpenRouter key is available. New uploads are processed only when their alt text is still empty.
You still own the final wording — treat AI output as a draft.
Tips
- Prefer meaningful alt on logos, heroes, and product photos; skip fluff on decorative dividers.
- Pair alt text with focal points so cropped images still show the subject you described.
- Dirigible → Tools & Maintenance can include a Missing alt text report for review — use it as a checklist, not a list of definite errors.