WCAG Guideline 1.4.5: Images of Text Explained
Estimated read time: 6–7 minutes
Guideline 1: Perceivable
The Perceivable principle ensures that all users can access and understand content, regardless of their sensory abilities. This includes making sure that text is real and not just an image.
Guideline 1.4: Distinguishable
Guideline 1.4 focuses on making content easier to see and hear. Real text can be resized, read by screen readers, and adapted to user needs—images of text cannot.
What Is Guideline 1.4.5 Images of Text?
"If the same visual presentation can be made using text alone, an image of text is used only for pure decoration or where a particular presentation of text is essential."
Guideline 1.4.5 Images of Text is a requirement in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) .
- Use real text instead of images of text whenever possible.
- Images of text are allowed only for decoration or when a specific style is essential (e.g., logos).
- Real text is more accessible, flexible, and adaptable.
For more, see BOIA: Why is it important for accessibility to use actual text instead of images of text? .
Why Does It Matter?
- Accessibility: Screen readers and assistive tech can’t read images of text.
- Scalability: Real text can be resized and styled by users.
- Legal Compliance: Images of Text is a Level AA requirement in WCAG 2.2.
- Usability: Real text loads faster and adapts to different devices.
What Needs to Support Accessible Text?
- Headings and body text
- Buttons and links
- Form fields and labels
- Banners and navigation
All should use real text, not images, unless a specific style is essential.
How to Meet Guideline 1.4.5
- Use HTML and CSS to style text, not images
- Only use images of text for logos or essential branding
- Provide alt text for any images of text that remain
- Test with screen readers and zoom tools
For more, see the W3C's Images of Text Techniques .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using images for headings, buttons, or navigation
- No alt text for images of text
- Relying on images for important information
- Not testing with screen readers or zoom
Differences Between A, AA, and AAA for Guideline 1.4.5 in WCAG 2.2
- Level A: No specific requirement for images of text.
- Level AA: Requires real text except for decoration or essential presentation.
- Level AAA: Requires real text for all content except logos (see 1.4.9 for stricter requirements).
For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 1.4.5 Images of Text .
Quick Checklist
- All content uses real text, not images
- Images of text only for decoration or logos
- Alt text for any images of text
- Tested with screen readers and zoom
Summary
Guideline 1.4.5 ensures content is accessible, scalable, and adaptable by using real text instead of images. Use CSS for styling and only use images of text when absolutely necessary.
Accessibility means real text for real people—don’t hide your message in an image!