When to Mark an Image as Decorative

Tick Decorative image only for pure decoration, such as a divider. Every picture that shows something needs ALT text instead.

A decorative image is a picture that is only there as pure decoration, such as a divider. Tick Decorative image for those, and write ALT text for every other picture.

What is ALT text?

ALT text is a short description of a picture. Amazon KDP now asks for ALT text on every picture. It is read aloud to readers who cannot see the picture, and Amazon can reject a book without it. That is why the Insert button will not add a picture until there is a short description in the ALT text box, or the "Decorative image" box is ticked on purpose.

What is a decorative image?

A decorative image is pure decoration, such as a divider. The "Decorative image" box is there for those pictures only.

When should I NOT tick it?

Do not tick it for a picture that shows something. Never use it as a way to skip writing a description. ALT text is required for KDP, so never skip it for a picture that shows something.

How do I tick Decorative image?

1. 1Click the paperclip button in the toolbar, or paste a picture into your text. Both open the same Insert Image window.
2. 2Tick Decorative image.
3. 3Pick the size and alignment.
4. 4Click Insert.

If the ALT text box is empty and Decorative image is not ticked, a short popup explains why the picture cannot go in yet. It says that Amazon KDP now asks for ALT text on every picture, that it is read aloud to readers who cannot see the picture, and that Amazon can reject a book without it.

How do I write good ALT text for a picture that is not decorative?

• ✦Write one or two plain sentences about what the picture shows.
• ✦If the picture contains text, a chart or an infographic, include that text or the key numbers in the ALT text.

For the full walk-through, see How to Add Images and ALT Text in the Writing Studio. For Amazon's own rules, see our KDP content quality guide.

Not sure where to start? The Course Coach inside the app guides you through each step, so you are never stuck on a button.

Last checked in the app: October 14, 2026.