Decorative Images and Overuse
When to mark images as decorative and when to skip them entirely
Images can enhance understanding and engagement — but when overused, especially as pure decoration, they create noise for screen reader users, slow page load times, and dilute the content that actually matters. Each image on a page should earn its place.
The two types of images
Informative images convey content that is not available as text elsewhere on the page. They need descriptive alt text.
Decorative images serve a visual purpose only — they don't add information. They should have an empty alt attribute so screen readers skip them.
<!-- Informative: needs alt text -->
<img src="storefront.jpg" alt="The library's main entrance on Oak Street, showing the accessible ramp and automatic doors" />
<!-- Decorative: screen readers skip it -->
<img src="decorative-wave.png" alt="" />An image with no alt attribute at all causes many screen readers to announce the image filename, which is typically meaningless. Always include alt="" for decorative images — the empty value tells assistive technology to skip it intentionally.
Avoiding decorative overload
Even correctly-marked decorative images can accumulate into a real problem. Common patterns to watch for:
- Generic stock photos added to "fill space" rather than support the content.
- Multiple images per section when one clear image would do.
- Images that repeat information already present in text or headings.
- Large image files that slow page load for users on slower connections.
- Does this image help users understand the content?
- Would a sighted user gain something from seeing this that they wouldn't get from the text alone?
If the answer to both is no, skip the image.
Why it matters
Screen reader users are not impacted by decorative images that are correctly marked — but incorrectly-marked decorative images interrupt their experience with meaningless announcements. For all users, pages cluttered with irrelevant images are harder to scan and slower to load. Thoughtful image use is a performance and accessibility win.