WCAG Guideline 1.4.9: Images of Text (No Exception) 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 all text is real and not just an image—even for logos and branding.
Guideline 1.4: Distinguishable
Guideline 1.4 focuses on making content easier to see and hear. Real text is always preferable to images of text for accessibility.
What Is Guideline 1.4.9 Images of Text (No Exception)?
"Images of text are only used for pure decoration or where a particular presentation of text is essential to the information being conveyed."
Guideline 1.4.9 Images of Text (No Exception) is a Level AAA requirement in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) .
- All text must be real text, not images, except for decoration or essential presentation.
- Even logos and branding should use real text where possible.
- Real text is more accessible, flexible, and adaptable.
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 (No Exception) is a Level AAA 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
- Logos and branding
All should use real text, not images, unless a specific style is essential.
How to Meet Guideline 1.4.9
- Use HTML and CSS to style all text, including logos and branding
- Only use images of text for pure decoration
- 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, navigation, or logos
- 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 1.4.9 in WCAG 2.2
- Level A: No specific requirement for images of text.
- Level AA: Requires real text except for decoration or essential presentation (see 1.4.5).
- Level AAA: Requires real text for all content, including logos and branding, except for pure decoration.
For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 1.4.9 Images of Text (No Exception) .
Quick Checklist
- All content uses real text, not images
- Images of text only for pure decoration
- Alt text for any images of text
- Tested with screen readers and zoom
Summary
Guideline 1.4.9 ensures all content, including logos and branding, is accessible, scalable, and adaptable by using real text instead of images. Use CSS for styling and only use images of text for decoration.
Accessibility means real text for real people—don’t hide your message in an image!