1.4.5: Images of Text
Guideline 1.4.5 "Images of Text" under WCAG 2.0 discourages the use of images of text unless the text cannot be adequately presented using standard HTML and CSS. This guideline emphasizes the importance of using actual text over images of text to ensure content is accessible, scalable, and adaptable to different user needs and preferences. Exceptions are made for logos or where a particular presentation of text is essential.
Importance of 1.4.5: Images of Text Success Criterion
Using images of text can pose significant accessibility challenges. Text embedded in images cannot be easily resized, read by screen readers, or adapted to different styles or colors. This makes it difficult for users with visual impairments, dyslexia, or other reading disabilities to access and understand the content. By using actual text, content remains flexible, searchable, and more accessible, improving the overall user experience. It also allows users to adjust text size, style, and contrast according to their needs, ensuring inclusivity and better accessibility.
Primary Use Cases and Requirements Under Guideline 1.4.5: Images of Text (Level A)
Use Case 1: Website Headers and Banners
Avoid using images of text for headers and banners. Instead, use HTML and CSS to create styled text.
How to Test: Check the website's headers and banners to ensure text is not embedded in images. Use browser developer tools to inspect elements and confirm that text is rendered using HTML and CSS.
Use Case 2: Infographics and Charts
Ensure that any text within infographics and charts is created using HTML and CSS, or provide a text alternative.
How to Test: Inspect infographics and charts to verify that text is not embedded in images. Ensure there are text alternatives for any embedded text, such as captions or descriptions.
Use Case 3: Buttons and Interactive Elements
Avoid using images of text for buttons or other interactive elements. Use styled HTML text instead.
How to Test: Check that buttons and interactive elements are created using HTML and CSS rather than images. Ensure text is readable and accessible.
Use Case 4: Advertisements and Promotions
Use HTML and CSS to create text in advertisements and promotional banners instead of embedding text in images.
How to Test: Verify that text in advertisements and promotions is not embedded in images. Use browser developer tools to inspect and confirm the use of HTML text.
Use Case 5: Logos and Branding
While logos often contain text as part of their design and are exempt from this guideline, ensure any additional text is not embedded in images.
How to Test: Inspect logos to ensure they are used appropriately and check that any accompanying text is rendered using HTML and CSS.
Use Case 6: Decorative Text
For decorative purposes, use web fonts and CSS styling to create visually appealing text without embedding it in images.
How to Test: Verify that decorative text is created using web fonts and CSS. Ensure it is not embedded in images and remains accessible and adjustable.
Use Case 7: Text Overlays on Images
Use HTML and CSS to overlay text on images instead of embedding the text within the image itself.
How to Test: Check that text overlays on images are implemented using HTML and CSS. Inspect elements to ensure text is not part of the image file.