How to Add Alt Text to Images in WordPress
Learn how to add alt text to images in WordPress manually or automatically using the AI image alt text generator for WordPress.
- Install Plugin: WordPress.org or directly from Dashboard
- Connect API Key: Sign up free at AutoAlt.ai
- Generate Alt Text: Automatic on upload or bulk process
01 About AutoAlt.ai
What is AutoAlt.ai
AutoAlt.ai automatically generates alt text and image titles for your images. Simply upload an image or provide a URL, and we’ll deliver optimized alt text based on the image content.
We offer multiple integration options tailored to your website setup. Check our Integrations page to see if we have a ready-to-use solution for your platform.
Video Tutorials
Explore how AutoAlt.ai works across different platforms. Watch step-by-step tutorials and plugin demos on our Visit YouTube Channel to quickly learn how to get started and make the most of our features.
Need Support?
Have questions or need help? Visit Support page to browse FAQs, watch helpful videos, or connect with our support team for personalized assistance.
02 Plugin Installation
WordPress / WooCommerce
The Automatic Alt Text Generator for Images WordPress plugin makes it effortless to automatically generate ALT text and image titles for all your media. Whether you’re uploading new images or optimizing existing ones in the Media Library, this plugin ensures your content is always SEO-friendly and accessible—no manual effort required. It’s the easiest way to add alt text to images in WordPress automatically.
- Log in to the WordPress admin area
- Navigate to Plugins → Add plugin
- Search for "AutoAlt.ai"
- Click Add, then Install and Activate
- Go to AutoAlt.ai → Settings
- Enter your email address
- Click "Create Account"
- Done! Your AutoAlt.ai account is automatically created and the API key is set up
- Go to AutoAlt.ai → Bulk Generate
- Check Total Images, Image Without ALT Text & Credit
- Click "Generate Alt Text"
- The alt texts are automatically saved
Screenshot: of the AutoAlt.ai connection page with options to connect an API key or register via email, including fields for API key and email address and buttons for “Connect & Save” and “Send Verification Code.”
Quick Start
The Automatic Alt Text Generator for Images plugin is designed to work seamlessly in the background, automatically generating ALT text and image titles for any new image you upload to your WordPress Media Library. It can also incorporate relevant SEO keywords to enhance your site’s visibility.
To customize how the plugin behaves, go to the Settings page under AutoAlt.ai in your WordPress admin dashboard.
When Images are Uploading
Within the plugin settings page, there is an option labeled ‘While Uploading New Images’. When enabled, the plugin will automatically generate alt text for newly uploaded images.
If WPML or Polylang is active, alt text will be generated for all configured languages.
Screenshot: Settings panel for automated alt text generation during image uploads with a checkbox selected, improving SEO and accessibility for websites.
Note: This option is Checked by default. If unchecked, automatic alt text generation for new images will be stopped.
Updating a Single Image
Simply open the image in your WordPress Media Library and click the ‘Generate Alt Text’ button to quickly add alt text to the image that WordPress users need. The plugin will analyze the image and instantly generate optimized ALT text and title for it.
Screenshot: Scenic view of the Sydney Opera House against a blue sky with wispy clouds, showcasing its unique architecture and waterfront location in Australia.
Bulk Generate Alt Text
This tool allows you to quickly generate ALT text for multiple images.
To access it, navigate to AutoAlt.ai → Bulk Generate from the WordPress admin menu.
You can refine which images are processed by applying the following filters:
-
Overwrite existing alt text:
Include images that already have ALT text. Enabling this will replace existing ALT attributes with new ones. -
Attached to post:
Only process images that are attached to a post, page, or any custom post type. Unattached media files will be excluded. -
Processed by AutoAlt.ai:
Skip images that have already been processed by AutoAlt.ai to avoid duplicate or unnecessary updates.
Screenshot of AutoAlt.ai's Bulk Generate settings page within WordPress, showing image counts, keyword inputs, and processing options for generating alt text.
Screenshot of the AutoAlt.ai plugin showing total images, images without alt text, available credits, and bulk generation options within a WordPress dashboard.
info: Customize the generation by Including SEO keywords or Removing negative keywords to enhance the quality and relevance of the generated alt text.
Updating Multiple Images
From your Media Library list view, check the boxes next to the images you want to process. Then, open the ‘Bulk actions‘ dropdown, select ‘Generate Alt Text – AutoAlt‘, and click Apply to automatically generate ALT text for all selected images.
Screenshot: Screenshot of the WordPress media library with the AutoAlt.ai plugin, showcasing the option to generate alt text automatically for image SEO.
Note: After clicking Apply, you’ll be redirected to the Bulk Generate screen, where you can generate ALT text for the selected images.
Quick Edit from History page
Go to the History page and quickly update alt text for any previously processed images. Simply review and edit the entries and click the ‘Update’ button to save instantly.
The history of processed images is organized by generated languages, allowing you to easily update alt text based on your preferred language or specific requirements.
Screenshot: Elegant black leather dress shoes, reflecting light with a glossy finish, are displayed on minimalist white platforms against a warm colored background. Formal occasion footwear.
Note: Clicking the Update button allows you to modify existing alt text without deducting any credits from your account.
While Creating Alt Text for Images
When generating ALT text, you can choose to apply the same text to other image fields for consistency and improved SEO. The following options are available:
-
Set the image title using the generated alt text:
Automatically copy the generated ALT text into the image’s title field. -
Set the image caption using the generated alt text:
Use the generated ALT text as the image’s caption, which can appear on the front end depending on your theme. -
Set the image description using the generated alt text:
Populate the image’s description field with the same generated ALT text.
Screenshot: AutoAlt.ai settings for creating image alt text in WordPress, including options for title, caption, and description settings and options.
Note: This option are disabled by default. To activate this feature, please check the checkbox and save your settings.
Filter by Image Extension
The Filter by Image Extension feature helps you manage credits efficiently. For example, if you upload images in JPG or PNG format, but your website automatically converts them to WebP for performance optimization, it’s recommended to filter and select only the WebP format during processing. This ensures that credits are used only for the final images actually displayed on your site.
Screenshot: AutoAlt.ai settings panel displaying options to choose image types for processing like PNG and JPG for SEO optimization in WordPress.
Include SEO Keywords
Automatically enhance your image ALT text using focus keywords from the post the image is associated with.
-
Use focus keywords to generate alt text (if available):
When focus keywords are added to your post using SEO plugins like Yoast, All in One SEO, Rank Math, SEOPress, Squirrly, or SmartCrawl Pro, the plugin will automatically include those keywords in the generated ALT text. -
Can't find SEO keywords? Use the post title instead:
If a focus keyword isn't available, the plugin will use the post title to generate meaningful alt text.
Screenshot: Screenshot of SEO settings for generating alt text, including options for using focus keywords or the post title, compatible with Yoast and other SEO plugins.
This options are disabled by default. To activate this feature, please check the checkbox and save your settings.
- Make sure the image is added to or used within a post.
- Focus keywords must be set for the post where the image is used.
- To allow keyword detection, the image must be attached to the post in WordPress.
You can confirm this by viewing the image in the Media Library — it should show ‘Uploaded to: [Post Name]’. Unattached images will not inherit keywords automatically.
WooCommerce Images
ALT text for product images plays a key role in improving SEO and product visibility. To give you full control, the plugin provides flexible options for how ALT text is generated for WooCommerce product images:
-
Use the product name when generating alt text:
Automatically apply the WooCommerce product title as the base for generating ALT text for product images. -
Use image title as product name (instead of WooCommerce product title):
Use the image title as the primary source when generating ALT text.
Recommended if your image titles provide better or more detailed descriptions than the product title.
Screenshot: AutoAlt.ai settings panel highlighting the staging configuration for public internet access. It shows developer settings and error logs.
Note: By default, these options are turned off. To enable them, select the checkbox for the option that best fits your product images and save your settings.
Staging Server Access
If you are using the extension on a local system or a staging server secured with an .htpasswd username and password, please ensure that this checkbox is unchecked for use extension functionality.
Screenshot: AutoAlt.ai settings panel highlighting the staging configuration for public internet access. It shows developer settings and error logs.
Note: By default, the ‘Access Image URL’ option is enabled, assuming the site is accessible over the public internet.
Screenshot: AutoAlt.ai WooCommerce settings for product image optimization, including using product name or image title for alt text generation.
Documentation FAQ
How can I update alt text for multiple images?
Option 1: Bulk Update via AutoAlt.ai
- In your WordPress admin panel, go to AutoAlt.ai → Bulk Generate
- You’ll see a list of images missing alt text
- Click to generate alt text for all of them in bulk
Option 2: Update from the Media Library
- Switch to list view in the Media Library
- Select the images you want to update
- Choose AutoAlt.ai: Generate Alt Text from the Bulk Actions dropdown, then click Apply
Can I update alt text for a single image?
Yes! Open the image in your WordPress Media Library. You’ll see a Generate ALT Text button. Clicking it will generate and set alt text for that image only.
Note: This will overwrite any existing alt text.
Can I include SEO keywords in the alt text?
Yes. AutoAlt.ai integrates seamlessly with popular SEO plugins like:
- Yoast SEO
- Rank Math
- All in One SEO
- Squirrly SEO
- SEOPress
Just make sure your post has a focus keyword set. When you upload or update images within that post, AutoAlt.ai will intelligently incorporate the keywords into the alt text.
Do I own the alt text that is generated?
Absolutely. You retain full ownership of any alt text generated through AutoAlt.ai.
We do NOT:
- Claim rights to your content
- Use your alt text for AI training
- Share it with third parties
Alt text is stored in your account for convenience only.
Will I lose my alt text if I uninstall the plugin?
No. Any alt text you’ve generated using AutoAlt.ai will remain on your images—even after uninstalling the plugin.
Does AutoAlt.ai support languages other than English?
Yes, AutoAlt.ai supports 100+ languages, making it ideal for multilingual websites.
Do you store the images I upload?
No, We do NOT store your images or binary files.
AutoAlt.ai only accesses:
- Image URLs
- Generated alt text
- Any metadata you’ve provided
How do credits and pricing plans work?
We offer both subscription plans and one-time credit pack.
- Standard image formats (JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP) use 1 credit per image
- 25 free credits are included for new accounts
- Unused credits roll over to the next billing cycle
- You can cancel at any time without losing your unused credits
What happens if I cancel my subscription?
When you cancel:
- Your subscription stops renewing automatically
- You won’t be charged further
- Any unused credits remain in your account
Can I use AutoAlt.ai on multiple websites?
Yes, You can add as many websites as you want to your AutoAlt.ai account. Just add each domain to your account. As long as you have credits available, you can generate alt text across all sites.
What types of images are supported?
AutoAlt.ai supports all major formats:
- JPG / JPEG
- PNG
- GIF
- WebP
Requirements:
- Image size under 16MB
- Minimum dimensions of 50×50 pixels
Does AutoAlt.ai support SEO plugins?
Yes, AutoAlt.ai integrates with the following SEO plugins for keyword-optimized alt text:
- Rank Math
- Yoast SEO
- All in One SEO
- Squirrly SEO
- SmartCrawl
- SEOPress
Can I view my image processing history?
Yes, You can access your image processing history to:
- Review previously generated alt text
- Re-edit or update alt text at any time
What is alt text in WordPress and why is it important?
Alt text (alternative text) in WordPress describes an image’s content for search engines and screen readers. It improves SEO, accessibility, and helps your site meet WCAG standards. Optimized alt text also boosts visibility in Google Image Search.
How can I use an AI alt text generator in WordPress?
Install AutoAlt.ai, the best AI image alt text generator for WordPress. It scans your site, identifies missing alt text, and automatically generates SEO-friendly, ADA- and WCAG-compliant image descriptions — no manual work needed.
Does using AI-generated alt text improve SEO?
Yes. Descriptive and relevant AI-generated alt text helps search engines understand your images better, improving your site’s SEO rankings and image discoverability in Google and AI-powered searches.
Done!
Your WordPress site is now successfully connected to AutoAlt.ai. All new images will automatically receive SEO-optimized and WCAG-compliant alt text.