Write alt text for your Shopify product images

Alt text describes an image when it cannot load and is read aloud by assistive technology. Amazon image descriptions are written for a different page and a different seller, so write alt text for the photos you actually upload to your store.

Direct answer

How long should Shopify image alt text be?

Shopify allows up to 512 characters but recommends 125 or fewer. Keep it brief and descriptive of what the image shows.

Actionable checks

What to do next

Look at each photo you plan to upload and note what it shows: the product, angle, color, or what is in use.
Write one short sentence per image, in plain words, aiming for 125 characters or fewer.
In Shopify, open the product, select a media item, choose Add alt text, and save.
Confirm you have the right to use each image before uploading it; alt text does not grant image rights.

Illustrative example

Fictional alt text

Stainless steel 24 oz water bottle with screw-top lid on a wooden table

Illustrative only. Describe the photos you actually use, not another seller’s images.

Destination-specific omissions

What this field does not provide

TabBridge does not supply alt text, upload images to Shopify, or grant rights to reuse source images. You add and review media in your own store.