How to Change Image Alt Text in WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide
Adding alternative text (alt text) to your images is one of the easiest yet most impactful ways to boost your website’s SEO and accessibility. You can change image alt text in WordPress through the Media Library, directly within the Gutenberg Block Editor, or using the Classic Editor.
This guide walks you through every method to update your image alt text, ensuring your site remains user-friendly and search-engine optimized.
Method 1: Change Alt Text Globally via the Media Library
If you want to update an image’s alt text across your entire site, the Media Library is the best place to do it. Any changes made here will automatically apply whenever you insert that image into future posts or pages. Log in to your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to Media > Library on the left-hand menu. Click on the image you want to edit.
Locate the Alternative Text field in the Attachment Details panel on the right. Type your new, descriptive alt text.
WordPress saves your changes automatically. You can close the window when you’re done.
Method 2: Change Alt Text Within the Block Editor (Gutenberg)
If you are already writing a post or designing a page, you can change the alt text of an image on the fly without leaving the editor. Open the page or post you want to edit. Click directly on the Image Block you wish to modify.
Look at the Block Settings sidebar on the right side of your screen. (If you don’t see it, click the gear icon ⚙️ in the top-right corner). Under the Settings tab, find the Alternative Text box.
Enter your text and click Update or Publish at the top of the page to save your changes.
Method 3: Change Alt Text in the Classic Editor
If your website still utilizes the older Classic Editor, updating your image attributes requires just a couple of clicks. Open your post or page in the Classic Editor.
Click on the image to open the mini-toolbar, then click the Edit icon (pencil). An Image Details pop-up box will appear. Locate the Alternative Text field at the top of the window.
Add your descriptive text and click the blue Update button in the bottom right. Save or update your post. A Quick Comparison of Methods Best Used For Changes Retroactive? Media Library Bulk updating images or setting permanent defaults.
No (Does not change instances already embedded in old posts). Block Editor Editing images during live content creation. Yes (Applies immediately to that specific post). Classic Editor Modifying older posts using the legacy layout. Yes (Applies immediately to that specific post).
Best Practices for Writing Effective Alt Text
To maximize the value of your alt text for screen readers (accessibility) and search engine crawlers (SEO), keep these tips in mind:
Be descriptive and specific: Describe what is actually happening in the image.
Keep it concise: Aim for fewer than 125 characters, as screen readers often cut off after this point.
Avoid keyword stuffing: Do not cram a dozen target keywords into the tag. Use your keyword naturally, and only if it truly fits the image.
Don’t say “image of” or “picture of”: Search engines and screen readers already know it’s an image. Start directly with the description (
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