====== 5.1.1. Use an empty alternate text (alt="") for decorative and illustrative images ======

When a decorative or illustrative image is included in the HTML code, the ''alt'' attribute must be added to the ''<img/>'' tag and left empty (without a space between the quotation marks of ''alt=””'').

<code html>
<img src="decorative-image.png" alt="" />
</code>

<note astuce>**Tip**

To check if an image is decorative/illustrative or informative, ask yourself if the absence of the image would change your understanding of the content. If the answer is “yes”, then enter the alternate text; otherwise, leave the ''alt'' attribute empty.</note>

<note>**Note**

Whenever possible, decorative images should not be included in the HTML code but loaded into the page with CSS.
</note>

===== Examples =====

{{:notices:html-css:alt-vide-01-en.jpg?direct&400|}}\\
//In this example, the decorative and illustrative images are indicated with the arrows. If they are included in the HTML code and are not clickable, then they should have an empty alternate text (alt=””).//

===== Related recommendations =====

<note bulle>
  * Previous recommendation: [[notices:html-css:employer-les-balises-html-pour-leur-valeur-semantique]]
  * Next recommendation: [[notices:html-css:ne-pas-utiliser-css-pour-afficher-les-images-porteuses-d-information]]
</note>