There is an increasing need with the variety of browser options available and the need to properly tag visual items on the web with appropriate descriptions that it is necessary to consider a few points when uploading images to the WordPress Media Library that can assist in this effort, as well as help users locate content quickly in large media libraries.
When any media file is uploaded (image or document) there is an option to add to the “Description” field for each item a short phrase or sentence that described what the item is. This is generally an internal description which helps find the item later when using the search feature in the Media Library. It could describe the contents of a document, the year it was produced or some other feature. For an image, it can describe the image itself and or how it is used on the website (e.g. slide, feature image, etc.)
In addition to description fields, images have an “Alt Text” field. This field serves the same purpose as the text field when adding a text link. It can appear in some browsers with images disabled or when a mouse hovers over an image. It should thus be written in a “public facing” presentation but be simply a short phrase or sentence describing the image or what the picture is of. This will further help in internal search. However, this external facing field, like the text “alt text” field helps websites comply with accessibility features for those who are ability-impaired, and, in some cases, is a requirement. It is a good practice to always add Alt Text and a description to all media library items.
These descriptions can be edited at any time by going to an item in the WordPress media library and selecting it and simply editing the text. All changes are saved automatically.
