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HTML <area> alt Attribute

The alt attribute on an <area> tag defines alternative text.

This text is used by screenreaders, search engines, JavaScript solutions, etc.

Alternative text on the area is not visible to the users.

Example

#

An alt attribute on 3 <area> tags.

Computer Monitor Keyboard Mouse
<img src="/img/html/computer-map.png" alt="Computer" usemap="#computermap">

<map name="computermap">
  <area alt="Monitor" shape="rect" coords="253,142,16,2" 
        href="href="javascript:alert('Monitor was clicked')">
  <area alt="Keyboard" shape="rect" coords="262,218,0,156" 
        href="javascript:alert('Keyboard was clicked')">
  <area alt="Mouse" shape="circle" coords="267,234,22" 
        href="javascript:alert('Mouse was clicked')">
</map>

Using alt

The alternative text must properly describe the <area>.

This attribute is helpful for screenreaders, search engines, JavaScript solutions, etc.


Syntax

<area href="URL" alt="text" />

Values

#

Value Description
text Alternative text if the image fails to load.

Browser support

Here is when alt support started for each browser:

Chrome
1.0 Sep 2008
Firefox
1.0 Sep 2002
IE/Edge
1.0 Aug 1995
Opera
1.0 Jan 2006
Safari
1.0 Jan 2003

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Author: Jack Poorte
Published: Jun 20 2021
Last Reviewed: Sep 30 2023


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