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How to Show Link and Image Descriptions on Any Website

Learn how to use Helperbird's show link and image descriptions. Complete guide for improving web accessibility and reading support.

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Changed in Helperbird 2026.7.28: Show link descriptions and Show image descriptions used to be two separate switches. They are now a single Show descriptions toggle covering both. The steps below still apply. You just turn on one switch instead of two.

Many links carry title text saying where they lead, and images carry alt text describing what they show. Both are normally invisible. Show descriptions puts that text in a tooltip when you hover, so you can read it.


Who is This For?

This feature is helpful for:

  • People who want to know where a link leads before clicking
  • Anyone who wants to understand images without seeing them clearly
  • People with visual impairments who use screen magnification
  • Anyone researching or fact-checking content
  • People who want more context about links and images on a page

Step 1: Open Helperbird

Click the Helperbird icon in your browser toolbar. It looks like a small owl and is usually in the top-right corner of your browser.

This will open the Helperbird menu.

Show descriptions enabled in All FeaturesView full-size image (opens in a new tab)


Step 2: Go to the All Features Section

Scroll down to the bottom of the Helperbird menu. You will see a section called All Features.

Click the arrow next to All Features to expand it and show all available features.


Step 3: Find Show Descriptions

Look through the list of features until you see Show descriptions. This one switch covers both images and links. (Before Helperbird 2026.7.28 these were two separate features, Show image titles and Show alt text.)


Step 4: Turn on Show Descriptions

Click the toggle next to Show descriptions. It turns green when it is enabled.

That single switch gives you descriptions for both images and links when you hover over them, so you no longer need to turn on two separate features.


Move your mouse over any link or image on the page.

A small tooltip will appear showing:

  • For links: the title of the link, or where it goes
  • For images (with Show image titles turned on): The alt text description of the image

This helps you understand what links and images are about before interacting with them.

Tip: This feature is especially useful on pages with many links, helping you decide which ones are worth clicking.


Need Additional Help?

If you have any questions or run into any issues, please contact the Helperbird support team. You can reach us at Helperbird support. We are happy to help you get the most out of Helperbird.

Printed from the Helperbird Help Center · Updated September 22nd, 2026

Questions? We are happy to help — helperbird.com/support

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supporting a range of learning di...

Helperbird is an excellent extension supporting a range of learning differences. Aside from providing many evidence-based dyslexia-assistive tools, the extension also functions as an easy-to-use, feature-rich web experience customization tool suitable to support a wide range of cognitive differences (i.e., color blindness and ADHD-related focus concerns, among others). Also, the developer is a very good person who supports the various learning-different communities in many ways, including by designing the free version of Helperbird to provide enough functionality to be beneficial to people who cannot afford to subscribe to the full-function version.
Kirk SmithHelperbird user

they have all downloaded the exte...

I got this tool as an extension to try out first of all. I was amazed at what it can do in terms of accessibility. I have shown my friends and brother who suffer from dyslexia and they have all downloaded the extension. Great step forward from a company looking to help people!!
Luke PottingerHelperbird user

makes reading easier for dyslexics

Really makes reading easier for dyslexics.
Máiréad JonesHelperbird user
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