Farlo AI Alt Text Generator (GPT)

Automatically generate concise, accessible ALT text for your WordPress images using OpenAI's GPT models. Improve accessibility and SEO with AI-powered image descriptions.

Features

🤖 Intelligent ALT Text Generation

• Automatic on Upload - Generate ALT text when images are uploaded
• Bulk Processing - Handle multiple images at once via Media Library
• Manual Control - Generate or regenerate for individual images
• Smart Context - Uses image filename, title, caption, and parent post for better descriptions

📊 Comprehensive Dashboard

• Coverage Tracking - Visual charts showing ALT text coverage across your media library
• Usage Metrics - Monitor API requests, token usage, and generation history
• Quality Scoring - Automated QA review of generated descriptions
• ALT Library - Review, filter, and manage all your ALT text in one place

🎨 Modern Interface

• Intuitive Design - Clean, professional interface with accessibility features
• Real-time Updates - Live progress tracking for batch operations
• Interactive Charts - Visual coverage indicators and statistics
• Mobile Responsive - Works seamlessly on all devices

🔧 Developer-Friendly

• REST API - Integrate ALT generation into your workflows
• WP-CLI Support - Command-line tools for bulk operations
• Hooks & Filters - Customize prompts and behavior
• Dry Run Mode - Test configurations without updating images

⚙️ Flexible Configuration

• Model Selection - Choose between gpt-4o-mini, gpt-4o, or gpt-4.1-mini
• Language Support - Generate ALT text in any language
• Tone Control - Set the writing style (professional, friendly, concise, etc.)
• Word Limit - Control description length (recommended: 8-16 words)
• Custom Prompts - Add your own instructions to every generation

📈 Usage Controls

• Token Alerts - Get notified when approaching usage limits
• Usage Audit - Detailed CSV export of all API usage
• Source Tracking - Know how each ALT text was generated (auto, bulk, manual, etc.)
• Recent Activity - View and regenerate recently processed images

Installation

1. Upload the plugin files to /wp-content/plugins/ai-alt-gpt/
2. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress
3. Navigate to Media → AI ALT Text to configure your OpenAI API key
4. Start generating accessible ALT text!

Configuration

Getting Started

1. Obtain an OpenAI API Key

   • Visit OpenAI Platform
   • Create a new API key
   • Copy the key (you won't be able to see it again)

2. Configure the Plugin

   • Go to Media → AI ALT Text → Settings
   • Paste your API key
   • Select your preferred model (gpt-4o-mini recommended for best cost/quality balance)
   • Set language and tone preferences
   • Save settings

3. Generate ALT Text

   • Automatic: Enable "Generate on upload" in settings
   • Bulk: Select images in Media Library → Bulk Actions → "Generate Alt Text (AI)"
   • Individual: Click "Generate Alt Text (AI)" on any image
   • Dashboard: Use quick actions to process missing or all images

Usage

Dashboard Quick Actions

Access the dashboard at Media → AI ALT Text:

• Generate ALT for Missing Images - Processes only images without ALT text
• Regenerate ALT for All Images - Processes entire media library (use with caution)
• View Coverage - Visual chart showing your ALT text coverage percentage
• Recent Activity - See recently generated ALT text with regenerate options

ALT Library

Review and manage all generated ALT text:

• Filter by Quality - Show healthy, needs review, or critical entries
• Search - Find images by title or ALT text
• Quality Scores - Automated QA ratings (0-100) with improvement suggestions
• One-Click Regenerate - Instantly regenerate any description
• Bulk Actions - Process multiple images at once

Media Library Integration

• Row Actions - "Generate Alt Text (AI)" link on each image
• Bulk Actions - Select multiple images and generate in one click
• Edit Modal - Generate or regenerate from the attachment details screen

WP-CLI Commands

# Generate ALT for all images
wp ai-alt generate --all

# Generate only for missing ALT
wp ai-alt generate --missing

# Dry run (test without saving)
wp ai-alt generate --all --dry-run

# Get stats
wp ai-alt stats

Settings

OpenAI Connection

• API Key: Your OpenAI API key
• Model: gpt-4o-mini (recommended), gpt-4o, or gpt-4.1-mini

Generation Defaults

• Word Limit: Target length (4-30 words, recommended: 8-16)
• Tone/Style: Overall voice (e.g., "professional, accessible")
• Language: en-GB, en, or custom (any language/locale)
• Custom Prompt: Additional instructions prepended to every request

Automation

• Generate on Upload: Automatically create ALT text for new images
• Overwrite Existing: Replace existing ALT text when regenerating
• Dry Run Mode: Log prompts without updating ALT text (for testing)

Alerts & Reporting

• Token Alert Threshold: Get notified when usage exceeds this limit
• Alert Email: Where to send notifications (defaults to admin email)

Best Practices

For Accessibility

• Review generated ALT text before publishing
• Keep descriptions concise (8-16 words ideal)
• Describe what's visible, not what's implied
• Avoid phrases like "image of" or "photo of"

For Quality

• Use the ALT Library to review automated QA scores
• Regenerate descriptions with low quality scores
• Customize tone and prompts for your brand voice
• Test settings in dry run mode first

For Cost Control

• Use gpt-4o-mini for most use cases (excellent quality, low cost)
• Set token alert thresholds
• Monitor usage in the Usage & Reports tab
• Enable "Generate on upload" only if needed

Privacy & Security

• API Key Storage: Keys are stored in WordPress options table
• Data Transmission: Only image metadata (filename, title, caption) sent to OpenAI
• No Image Upload: Images themselves are never sent to OpenAI
• User Permissions: Only administrators can manage settings by default
• Custom Capability: manage_ai_alt_text for granular permission control

Requirements

• WordPress: 5.8 or higher
• PHP: 7.4 or higher
• OpenAI API Key: Active account with available credits
• Permissions: Administrator or custom manage_ai_alt_text capability

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Costs depend on OpenAI pricing. Using gpt-4o-mini, expect ~$0.001-0.003 per image. Monitor usage in the dashboard.

Q: Can I use this for existing images?
A: Yes! Use bulk actions or the dashboard quick actions to process your entire media library.

Q: What if I don't like the generated ALT text?
A: Simply click "Regenerate" for a different description, or manually edit the ALT text field.

Q: Is my OpenAI API key secure?
A: Yes, it's stored in your WordPress database and only accessible to administrators.

Q: Can I generate ALT text in languages other than English?
A: Absolutely! Set your preferred language in Settings (supports any language).

Q: Will this work with page builders?
A: Yes, the plugin updates the standard WordPress ALT text field used by all themes and page builders.

Q: Can I customize the prompts?
A: Yes, use the "Additional instructions" field in Settings to add custom requirements.

Support

For support, feature requests, or bug reports:

• Documentation: Review this README and in-app help text
• Dashboard: Check the "How to Use" tab for guidance
• OpenAI Status: Check status.openai.com for API issues

Changelog

See CHANGELOG.md for version history and updates.

License

GPL-2.0-or-later

Credits

Developed by Farlo with ❤️ for the WordPress community.

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Make your site more accessible, one image at a time. 🌟