Shopify image accessibility
Shopify image alt text guide for product accessibility
Learn how to write useful alt text for Shopify product images, collection images, banners, and important ecommerce visuals. Then scan your store for common image accessibility issues.
Educational guidance only. No legal advice. No guarantee of ADA, EAA, or WCAG compliance.
What is alt text for Shopify product images?
Alt text is a short text description attached to an image. For ecommerce stores, useful alt text helps explain important product visuals when someone cannot see the image or uses assistive technology.
Product image alt text should describe the important product information in the image, not simply repeat random keywords.
Describe the product
Mention the product type, color, style, material, or important visible detail when it helps the shopper understand the item.
Avoid keyword stuffing
Alt text should be useful for people, not filled with repeated SEO keywords that make the description hard to understand.
Skip decorative images
Decorative images may not need detailed descriptions, but product images and important banners usually need clear context.
Shopify alt text examples
Weak alt text
image, product, best shoes, buy shoes online
Better alt text
White leather running shoe with blue sole, side view
Better alt text
Black ceramic coffee mug with matte finish and curved handle
Shopify image accessibility checklist
✓ Product images have useful alt text
✓ Collection images describe the collection when important
✓ Sale banners explain the important promotion text
✓ Decorative images are not over-described
✓ Alt text does not repeat SEO keywords unnaturally
✓ New product uploads are reviewed regularly
✓ App-added images and icons are checked
✓ Image-only buttons are reviewed for accessible names
Scan your Shopify store for image accessibility issues
Start with a free scan to find common accessibility issues, including image-related problems, button issues, contrast problems, forms, headings, and app widgets.