=== Alt Audit - AI Alt Text Generator & Accessibility Checker === Contributors: flance Tags: alt text, accessibility, ai, image-seo, wcag Requires at least: 6.0 Tested up to: 6.9 Requires PHP: 7.4 Stable tag: 1.0.6 License: GPLv2 or later License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html Fix missing alt text instantly with AI or free templates. Improve accessibility, SEO, and WCAG compliance for your WordPress images. == Description == ***Alt Audit** helps WordPress site owners, content creators, and SEO professionals **automatically find and fix missing or low-quality alt text**. Improve accessibility, comply with WCAG standards, and boost image SEO without manual work. **Key Benefits:** * Identify missing or weak alt text across your site in minutes * Generate descriptive alt text using AI or free rule-based templates * Bulk process hundreds or thousands of images efficiently * Improve SEO and discoverability of images * Ensure WCAG 2.1 Level A compliance = Who Is This For? = * Website Owners – Fix accessibility issues and avoid legal risk * SEO Professionals & Agencies – Boost image SEO with optimized alt text * Content Creators – Save hours of manual alt text writing * Developers – Integrate accessibility best practices in your workflow * eCommerce Sites – Make product images discoverable * Accessibility Consultants – Audit client sites with detailed reports * Large Image Libraries – Bulk generation & quality control = Key Features = **AI-Powered Generation** * Context-aware alt text for complex images * Integrates focus keywords from Yoast SEO or Rank Math * Free 25 credits for first-time users **Rule-Based Templates (FREE)** * Works offline, no API needed * Customizable variables: site name, page/post title, image filename, caption, description, existing alt * Ideal for structured content or large libraries **Accessibility Auditing** * WCAG 2.1 Level A compliance focus * Detect missing, weak, or decorative alt text * Actionable recommendations per image * Real-time monitoring for new uploads **5-Status Quality Scoring** 1. Missing (Critical) 2. Decorative (WCAG-compliant) 3. Weak (Needs Improvement) 4. Good (Acceptable) 5. Excellent (Optimal) **WordPress Integration** * Media Library enhancements * Gutenberg block & Classic Editor support * Dashboard overview & bulk actions * Page builder compatibility = Free vs. AI Generation = **Free Rule-Based Generation:** * Works offline without API connection * Uses customizable templates with variables: site name, page title, post title, product title, image filename, caption, description, and existing alt text * Context-aware patterns that adapt based on content type (homepage, pages, posts, products, custom post types) * No credits required - completely free * Great for images with descriptive filenames or structured content **AI-Powered Generation:** * Analyzes actual image content using computer vision * Generates context-aware, natural language descriptions * Integrates SEO focus keywords from Yoast SEO and Rank Math * Best for complex images needing detailed descriptions = WCAG Compliance = Alt Audit helps you meet WCAG 2.1 Level A requirements for image accessibility: * Non-text content (images) has text alternatives * Alt text is meaningful and descriptive * Decorative images are properly marked (empty alt attribute) = How It Works = **Quick Start in 3 Steps:** 1. **Scan Your Site** - Click the "Scan All Images" button to identify all images and evaluate their alt text quality 2. **Generate Alt Text** - Choose AI-powered generation for accurate descriptions or use free rule-based templates 3. **Review & Publish** - Edit generated alt text if needed and save to improve accessibility and image SEO **For Free Rule-Based Generation:** No API key needed! The plugin uses your image metadata (filename, title, caption) to create descriptive alt text instantly. **For AI-Powered Generation:** Sign up at [altaudit.com](https://altaudit.com?utm_source=wp-plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=how-it-works) to get your API key. Start with 10 free credits - each credit processes one image with advanced AI analysis. == Installation == 1. Upload the plugin files to `/wp-content/plugins/alt-audit/` or install through WordPress plugins screen 2. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' screen in WordPress 3. Go to Alt Audit > Settings to configure your preferences 4. (Optional) Enter your API key for AI-powered generation 5. Start auditing your images from the Alt Audit dashboard == Frequently Asked Questions == = Do I need an API key to use Alt Audit? = No, you can start using Alt Audit immediately without an API key! The free rule-based alt text generation works completely offline. However, for AI-powered generation that analyzes actual image content using computer vision, you'll need an API key from [altaudit.com](https://altaudit.com?utm_source=wp-plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=faq). New users get 25 free credits to try the AI features. = What's the difference between AI and rule-based generation? = **Rule-based generation (FREE):** * Uses customizable templates with 9 variables: site name, site description, page title, post title, product title, image filename, caption, description, and existing alt text * Context-aware patterns that automatically adapt based on content type (homepage, pages, posts, products, custom post types) * Works instantly without API connection * No credits required - completely unlimited * Great for images with descriptive filenames or structured content * Perfect for large image libraries **AI-powered generation (CREDITS):** * Analyzes actual image content using computer vision * Generates context-aware, natural language descriptions * Integrates SEO focus keywords from Yoast SEO and Rank Math * Best for complex images that need detailed descriptions * Understands image context and composition = Does this plugin make my website 100% accessible? = No single plugin can guarantee 100% accessibility. Alt Audit is a powerful scanning and generation tool that helps you identify and fix image accessibility issues, specifically focusing on WCAG 2.1 Level A Success Criterion 1.1.1 (Non-text Content). Complete accessibility requires a combination of automated tools, manual review, and ongoing maintenance. Alt Audit makes the image accessibility part significantly easier. = What WCAG standards does this plugin check? = Alt Audit focuses on WCAG 2.1 Level A compliance, specifically Success Criterion 1.1.1 (Non-text Content) for image accessibility. This includes checking for: * Missing alt text (critical accessibility barrier) * Empty alt text for decorative images (appropriate use) * Weak or insufficient alt text descriptions * Alt text length compliance (best practices recommend under 125 characters) = Can I use this for bulk alt text generation? = Yes! Alt Audit includes powerful bulk processing tools that let you: * Scan your entire media library at once * Generate alt text for multiple images simultaneously * Choose between AI or rule-based generation methods * Review and edit generated alt text before saving * Process hundreds or thousands of images efficiently = Does this work with Gutenberg and page builders? = Yes! Alt Audit integrates seamlessly with: * **Gutenberg (Block Editor)** - Enhanced image blocks with real-time quality checking and generation buttons * **Classic Editor** - Full support with meta boxes for content-specific auditing * **Media Library** - Quality indicators, bulk actions, and inline editing * Most page builders work through the WordPress media library integration = Will this improve my image SEO? = Absolutely! Properly written alt text provides multiple image SEO benefits: * Helps search engines understand your images for better image SEO * Improves image search rankings and visibility * Enhances overall page relevance and accessibility * Provides context for content indexing * AI generation integrates focus keywords from Yoast SEO and Rank Math for optimized image SEO = Is the quality assessment automatic? = Yes! Alt Audit scans and assesses all your images, categorizing them into 5 quality statuses: 1. **Missing** - No alt text (Critical - fails WCAG) 2. **Decorative** - Empty alt text (Appropriate for decorative images) 3. **Weak** - Present but lacks detail (Needs improvement) 4. **Good** - Adequate description (Acceptable) 5. **Excellent** - Rich, contextual description (Optimal) This makes it easy to identify which images need immediate attention. = Can I manually edit the generated alt text? = Yes! Alt Audit gives you full control. You can: * Review all generated alt text before saving * Edit any generated descriptions * Manually add or modify alt text in the media library * Bulk edit multiple images * Choose which images to process = How is pricing structured for AI generation? = Alt Audit uses a simple **pay-as-you-go** pricing model: * Get **25 free credits** when you sign up * Each credit = 1 image analyzed and processed * Purchase credit packages as needed * No monthly subscriptions required * Rule-based generation is always 100% free * **Special agency plans** available for SEO agencies and consultants managing multiple client sites * **White label options** to rebrand the plugin with your agency's branding Visit [altaudit.com](https://altaudit.com/pricing?utm_source=wp-plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=faq-pricing) for current pricing and packages. = Do you offer plans for SEO agencies? = Yes! We have special plans designed specifically for SEO agencies and consultants: * **Agency Plans** - Discounted pricing for managing multiple client websites * **White Label Options** - Rebrand the plugin with your agency's name and branding * **Centralized Management** - Manage credits and settings across all client sites * **Priority Support** - Dedicated support for your agency team * **Reseller Opportunities** - Offer Alt Audit as part of your service packages Contact us at [altaudit.com/contact](https://altaudit.com/contact?utm_source=wp-plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=faq-agency) to learn more about agency plans and white label options. = Will this slow down my website? = No! Alt Audit is built for performance: * Scanning happens only in the admin dashboard * No front-end JavaScript or CSS loaded for visitors * AI processing happens via external API (doesn't consume server resources) * Rule-based generation is instant and local * No impact on page load times for your visitors = Does this connect to third-party services? = The AI-powered generation feature connects to the Alt Audit API (https://altaudit.com/api/v1) to analyze images and generate descriptions. This connection is: * **Optional** - Only used when you choose AI generation * **Secure** - All data transmitted over HTTPS * **Privacy-focused** - Only sends image URLs and optional context data * **Transparent** - See our [Privacy Policy](https://altaudit.com/privacy-policy?utm_source=wp-plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=faq) and [Terms of Service](https://altaudit.com/terms-of-service?utm_source=wp-plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=faq) at altaudit.com The free rule-based generation does NOT connect to any external services and works completely offline. == Screenshots == 1. Dashboard overview showing site-wide accessibility statistics 2. Media Library with quality status indicators 3. AI and rule-based generation options 4. Settings page for API and preference configuration 5. Bulk audit and generation tools interface 6. Gutenberg integration with real-time quality checking == Support == We're here to help you make your website more accessible! = Getting Help = * **Documentation** - Visit [altaudit.com/docs](https://altaudit.com/docs?utm_source=wp-plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=support) for detailed guides and tutorials * **Support Forum** - Get community support at [wordpress.org/support/plugin/alt-audit](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/alt-audit/) * **Bug Reports** - Report issues through the WordPress.org support forum * **Feature Requests** - We love hearing your ideas! Share them in the support forum == External Services == This plugin connects to the Alt Audit external service for AI-powered alt text generation features. **Service Information:** * Service URL: https://altaudit.com/api/v1 * Service Provider: Alt Audit * Terms of Service: https://altaudit.com/terms-of-service?utm_source=wp-plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=external-services * Privacy Policy: https://altaudit.com/privacy-policy?utm_source=wp-plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=external-services **Data Transmitted:** When using AI-powered alt text generation, the following data is sent to the Alt Audit API: * Image URLs (publicly accessible URLs of your WordPress images) * API Key (for authentication) * Image context data (optional: image title, caption, page title, categories, tags, and focus keywords from Yoast SEO or Rank Math if available) **When Data is Sent:** * Only when you manually trigger AI-powered alt text generation * During bulk AI generation operations (if enabled) * When auto-generation on upload is enabled (optional feature) **Important Notes:** * The free rule-based alt text generation does NOT connect to external services * All data transmission happens over secure HTTPS connections * You can use the plugin's audit features without connecting to the API * API connection is only required for AI-powered generation features == Changelog == = 1.0.6 = * Added: Russian translation (ru_RU) as example for translators * Updated: Short description optimized to 133 characters (WordPress.org requirement) = 1.0.5 = * Refactored: Improved image MIME type handling across controllers and services * Refactored: Enhanced image handling in list table and meta box components * Refactored: Simplified max_length handling in API client * Removed: PHP execution time limit adjustment for batch processing * Improved: Overall code quality and performance optimizations = 1.0.4 = * Refactored: Migrated to WordPress core APIs (WP_Query, Options API, Custom Taxonomy) * Refactored: Enhanced input validation and sanitization across all controllers * Refactored: Strengthened nonce verification and permission checks * Refactored: Updated all prefixes to unique identifier * Fixed: Bulk processing duplicate image issue * Improved: Code quality and WordPress coding standards compliance = 1.0.3 = * Security: Added nonce verification to all AJAX handlers using check_ajax_referer() * Security: Added permission checks (current_user_can) to all AJAX handlers * Security: Refactored SQL queries to use wpdb::prepare() with proper placeholders * Security: Removed direct $_GET/$_REQUEST manipulation * Security: Added input validation for style, status, and filter parameters * Fixed: PHPCS line length compliance - shortened plugin description header * Improved: WordPress Coding Standards compliance * Removed: Unused backup files from distribution = 1.0.2 = * Fixed: Removed all inline scripts and styles for WordPress.org compliance * Fixed: Moved inline CSS to compiled SCSS modules * Fixed: Moved inline JavaScript to proper module files * Updated: Contributors field to match WordPress.org account * Enhanced: All scripts and styles now properly enqueued * Improved: Code organization and WordPress Coding Standards compliance = 1.0.1 = * Added free rule-based alt text generation * Updated plugin name to reflect full feature set * Updated WCAG compliance text to accurately reflect Level A (1.1.1) focus * Added translator comments for internationalization * Improved settings page clarity * Fixed activity logging for dashboard = 1.0.0 = * Initial release * AI-powered alt text generation * 5-status quality assessment system * WCAG Level A compliance checking * Media Library integration * Gutenberg block support * Bulk audit tools == Upgrade Notice == = 1.0.6 = Important update: Full translation support added! Plugin now ready for international users. Includes Russian translation. = 1.0.5 = Improved image handling and MIME type processing. Enhanced tracking with UTM parameters. Recommended update for better performance. = 1.0.4 = Major refactoring for WordPress.org compliance. All prefixes updated to unique identifiers. Fixed bulk processing issues. = 1.0.3 = Security and WordPress.org compliance update. = 1.0.2 = WordPress.org compliance update: Fixed inline scripts/styles. Recommended update before submitting to directory. = 1.0.1 = New free rule-based generation feature! Generate alt text without using credits. = 1.0.0 = Initial release of Alt Audit.