# Alternative text

Text that communicates an image's purpose when the image cannot or should not be viewed.

## What is **Alternative text**?

Text that communicates an image's purpose when the image cannot or should not be viewed.

```html
<img src="cart.png" alt="Shopping cart: 3 items">
```

Level: Novice · [More HTML terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/html/novice)

Updated: October 16, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/alternative-text