{{tag>faq post share featured}}
====== How to add image alt text to images ======
Alt text helps people who may not be able to see an image for various reasons by providing a textual description which accompanies the image. A significant guide to alt text, why it is important, and how to achieve good alt text is here: https://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/

===== How to add alt text on to Mastodon posts =====
On the desktop web client, when writing a post, you can add an image by clicking on the paperclip icon on the bottom menu on the left. 

  - Once your image is uploaded, click on ''! No description added'' over your image.
  - You will then see a popup allowing you to add a text description of your image. Try to be as clear as possible in your description. It’s okay if it’s short.
  - Click ''Apply'' and that’s it! You can then publish your toot normally.


====Mobile Web App====
  - Once the image is uploaded you can either tap ''edit'' or ''No description added''
  - Enter your description
  - Tap ''Apply'' (you will note the ''No description added'' text disappears)

====Mastodon Android App====
  - Once an image is uploaded, tap ''Add image description''
  - Tap ''Save'', then  publish as normal.


====Tusky Android App====
  - Once you have uploaded the image, press and hold it for a few seconds.
  - Let go and choose ''Set Caption'' from the menu
  - Once captioned, select ''OK'' and publish your toot.
===== How to avoid forgetting to add alt text ======
==== Confirmation Dialog ====
{{ :faq:post_share:warn-lacking-media-descriptions.png?direct&400|Screenshot of the Mastodon web client showing Compose box options dialog. The "Show confirmation dialog before sending toots lacking media descriptions" option is checked and highlighted.}}
On the web client (desktop/mobile):
  - On the main page, click ''App Settings'' in the menu
  - Under ''Compose box'', enable ''Show confirmation dialog before sending toots lacking media descriptions''
While this functionality is available in the web client (regardless of accessing via a mobile browser or desktop), it is unlikely to be present in your mobile App. As of writing it is not available in Tusky or the official Mastodon App for Android.


==== Reminder Bot ====
You can follow [[https://infosec.exchange/@PleaseCaption@botsin.space|@PleaseCaption@botsin.space]] to remind you to add alt-text in case you forget.