Bulk Alt Text Export to CSV, With a Length Column
Neartool's general CSV lists each file with its alt text, the alt text length, a description, hashtags, the platform and the language. The length column lets you sort and audit a batch in a spreadsheet before you copy text into a content system.
Sample file
Three sample rows from the general CSV export.
file,alt_text,alt_length,description,hashtags,platform,language
storefront.jpg,Corner shop with a green awning and a bicycle outside,53,"A corner shop with a green awning, with a bicycle leaning against the wall.",#shop #localbusiness,general,en
dashboard.png,Analytics dashboard with a line chart trending upward,53,A dashboard screenshot with a rising line chart and three summary tiles.,#analytics,general,en
recipe-soup.jpg,Bowl of tomato soup with basil leaves and a slice of bread,58,"A bowl of tomato soup garnished with basil, served with a slice of bread.",#soup #recipe #comfortfood,general,enSteps
- Run your images through the alt text generator and edit the drafts.
- Choose CSV in the export menu and download the file.
- Open it in a spreadsheet and sort the alt_length column from longest to shortest.
- Review the longest lines first and shorten any that pass your limit.
- Copy the final text into your content system, or convert the columns to the format it needs.
Start with the Alt text generator, then check the text with the alt text checker.
The columns
The file has seven columns: file, alt_text, alt_length, description, hashtags, platform and language. File is the original file name. Alt_text is the text for the alt attribute. Alt_length counts its characters, so you can sort and filter without writing a formula. Description is a longer sentence. Hashtags are space-separated. Platform and language record the settings you used.
The file starts with a byte order mark so Excel opens accented and non-Latin text correctly, and cells that begin with characters a spreadsheet might read as a formula are protected.
A good habit is to review the file before you use it anywhere. Sort by alt_length to find lines that are very short or very long, read a sample against the images, and fix the weak ones in the spreadsheet. The file is only a worksheet, so you can delete columns you do not need and rename the ones you keep to match whatever system comes next.
Why audit before you import
Alt text written by a model is a draft. Errors are easier to catch in a list than inside a content management screen, where you see one image at a time. A spreadsheet lets you read forty lines in a row, notice repeated phrasing, and spot the line that describes the wrong photo.
Sorting by length finds two kinds of problem quickly: very long lines that read like paragraphs, and very short ones that say little more than a file name.
A simple review routine
First, sort by alt_length and trim the longest lines. Second, scan for repeated openings such as image of or photo of and delete them. Third, check that no two images share exactly the same text unless they really are the same picture. Finally, paste the column into the free alt text checker to catch file names and keyword lists you missed.
Moving the text into your system
A general CSV does not match any particular system's import format. If you use Shopify, the Shopify export has the column names that platform's product import uses. For WordPress or WooCommerce there are separate formats and caveats on their own pages. For other systems, keep the file as a reference and map the columns yourself.
Limits and facts
| Columns | file, alt_text, alt_length, description, hashtags, platform, language |
|---|---|
| Length measure | Characters in alt_text |
| Encoding | UTF-8 with byte order mark |
| Spreadsheet safety | Formula-like cell starts are escaped |
Frequently asked questions
What does the alt_length column count?
The number of characters in the alt text of that row. Use it to sort the file and find lines that pass your limit.
Does Excel open the file correctly?
Yes. The file is UTF-8 with a byte order mark, so accented and non-Latin text displays correctly in Excel.
Can I import this CSV into my content system?
It is a general file, so you will usually map its columns to your system's format. For Shopify, use the Shopify export instead.
Why is there a platform and language column?
They record the settings used for the batch, which helps when you combine files from several runs.
Is the file created on my device?
Yes. The CSV is built in your browser and nothing is sent to Neartool.