Adding alt text to images in Flodesk

Alt text (short for “alternative text”) helps make your emails more accessible to everyone — including subscribers who use screen readers.

If someone can’t see your images, alt text describes what’s there. It’s read out loud by assistive technology and shown if an image doesn’t load.

Adding alt text only takes a few seconds, but it makes a big difference.
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Alt text is a short written description of an image in your email.

It helps:

• Subscribers using screen readers understand your content

• Readers if images are blocked by their email provider

• You create a more inclusive experience for your audience

Alt text is not used for SEO in emails. It’s purely for accessibility and clarity.

You can add alt text in the Accessibility section of the following email builder block types:

• Image block

• Layout block

• E-commerce block

• Countdown timer block

• Logo block

• Video block

• Poll block
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1. Add an Image block to your email.

2. Click on the image to open the settings.

3. Scroll to the Accessibility section (below the Width selector).

4. Type your image description in the text box.

1. Add a Layout block.

2. Click on the block.

3. Go to the Block tab.

4. Find the Accessibility section.

5. Add a short description for the entire layout as it renders as a single image.

1. Add an E-commerce block.

2. Click on the product image.

3. Under the Image tab, scroll below Overlay effects.

4. Find the Accessibility section.

5. Add a description of the product image.

1. Add a Countdown timer block.

2. Click on the block.

3. Go to the Block tab.

4. Find the Accessibility section.

5. Describe what the timer represents.

Example:
“Countdown to March 15 at 8 PM EST product launch.”

1. Add a Logo block (if your template doesn’t already have one).

2. Click the logo image.

3. Open the Logo tab.

4. Scroll to Accessibility.

5. Add a simple description of your logo.

Example:
“Floral Haven logo in black script font.”

1. Add a Video block.

2. Click on the block.

3. Go to the Block tab.

4. Find the Accessibility section.

5. Add a short description of what the video is about.

Example:
“Behind-the-scenes look at our fall collection photoshoot.”

1. Add a Poll block.

2. Click on the block.

3. Go to the Image tab.

4. Find the Accessibility section.

5. Add a brief description of the poll image.

We’ve rolled out an accessibility update to help you stay on track with the European Accessibility Act—and create a more inclusive experience for all your subscribers.

• If you’ve added alt text to your Instagram post, Flodesk automatically pulls it into your email.

• If no alt text is available, we add a fallback like:
  “Instagram post image by @username.”

All social icons now include descriptive alt text like:
“Visit our Instagram” or “Visit our Pinterest.”

This helps screen readers clearly explain where each link goes.

Keep these guidelines in mind:

Most screen readers cut off alt text at around 125 characters, so aim to stay under that.

Screen readers already announce that it’s an image. Jump straight into the description.

Instead of:
“Image of a smiling woman holding a notebook”

Write:
“Smiling woman holding a leather notebook at a desk.”

If an image is purely decorative (like a divider or abstract shape), you can leave the alt text empty.

Ask yourself:
“What does this image add to the email?”

Describe what’s important for understanding the message — not every tiny visual detail.

If the alt text sounds awkward or repetitive when read aloud, simplify it.

• Alt text makes your emails more accessible.

• You can add it under the Accessibility section in supported blocks.

• Keep it under 125 characters.

• Focus on clarity and meaning.

It’s a small step that makes your emails better for everyone.

If you don’t add alt text:

• Screen reader users won’t know what the image shows.

• Subscribers may see a blank space if images don’t load.

It’s not required, but it’s strongly recommended.

You can technically write longer descriptions, but most screen readers cut off around 125 characters. Keeping it concise works best.

No. Email alt text is not indexed by search engines. Write for people, not search engines.

Include the important text in your alt description.

For example, if your image says: “50% Off Ends Tonight”

Your alt text should communicate that message.

Yes. A simple description like: “Your Brand Name logo” is perfect.

No. Once an email is sent, it can’t be edited, including the alt text. Always double-check before sending.

No. Alt text must be added manually in most blocks.

The only automatic cases:

• Instagram block (if alt text exists on Instagram)

• Social links block (icons include built-in descriptions)