gen-alt-text

• This program generates alt-text for images using a local or remote Ollama server.
• The Ollama server must be running before using this program.
• See Ollama for installation and usage instructions.

Installation

pipx install gen-alt-text

Usage

gen-alt-text -m "llama3.2-vision:11b" ~/pictures/autumn-scenery.jpg
gen-alt-text ~/pictures/winter-scenery.jpg
gen-alt-text -m "llama3.2-vision:90b" ~/pictures/coffee.jpg

If the model supplied to the -m argument is not currently available on the Ollama server, gen-alt-text will pull it for you, and then you must re-run the program to use it.

Remote Ollama server

For remote Ollama servers, the server must be configured to listen on 0.0.0.0:11434 and port 11434 must be open in the firewall. Edit the systemd service file as follows:

sudo systemctl edit ollama.service

Add the following:

[Service]
Environment="OLLAMA_HOST=0.0.0.0:11434"

Save the file and exit the editor.

I personally use a remote server that is not public-facing and is only accessible through my Tailscale network, or tailnet.

On the local machine that you're running this program on, set the OLLAMA_HOST environment variable to use a remote Ollama server.

export OLLAMA_HOST="http://ollama.tailnet.ts.net:11434"
gen-alt-text ~/pictures/goth_hacker_girl.jpg

Local Ollama server

The ollama.service systemd unit should already be configured to listen on localhost:11434 by default, so no additional configuration is necessary.

Example

I fed the image below to the llama3.2-vision:11b model.

This was the alt-text it generated:

The image depicts a serene autumnal scene, with a cup of coffee placed on a stone surface amidst fallen leaves. In the foreground, a dark brown ceramic mug filled with black coffee sits atop a large, flat gray stone. The mug's handle is positioned towards the right side of the image. Surrounding the mug are vibrant red and orange fallen leaves, which have accumulated in a pile to the left of the stone. Some of these leaves appear to be scattered across the surface of the stone as well. The background of the image features more fallen leaves, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The overall mood of the scene is one of tranquility and coziness, evoking feelings of relaxation and comfort.