Goal
Eliminate images of text except where truly essential.
Success Criterion · WCAG 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.
Level AAAWCAG 2.0Perceivable1.4 · Distinguishable
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What to do
Use real text instead of images of text, with only essential and decorative exceptions.
Why it matters
Images of text limit resizing, reflow, translation, and assistive technology access.
Success criterion
What WCAG 1.4.9 requires
Summarized directly from the official Understanding document so teams can quote the requirement accurately.
Images of text are only used for pure decoration or where a particular presentation of text is essential to the information being conveyed.
Intent
Why WCAG created this requirement
- Real text is more adaptable and accessible than text embedded in images.
- AAA removes the “customizable image of text” exception from 1.4.5.
- Decorative images of text are allowed if they convey no information.
Benefits
Who gains when you pass
- Users can zoom and still read crisp text.
- Screen reader users can access and navigate text content programmatically.
- Users can translate, copy, and customize text presentation.
- Content works better across devices and responsive layouts.
Why it matters
User impact when this criterion fails
Summaries drawn from the Understanding document help you socialize impact statements with product stakeholders.
Users may be unable to read or resize critical content if it is an image.
Assistive technologies may not expose the text content reliably.
Users cannot adjust typography preferences for readability.
Exception guidelines
Use the WCAG 1.4.9 exceptions correctly
Document the rationale for each exception and note which alternative support you provide.
Pure decoration
Images of text may be used if they convey no information.
Requirement
If decorative, ensure it is not announced and does not carry meaning.
Essential presentation
Exact presentation is essential to the information (e.g., logotype).
Requirement
Use only when the specific appearance is essential, not just preferred.
Overview
This AAA criterion is stricter than 1.4.5. It requires avoiding images of text except for decorative use or cases where the exact visual presentation is essential (commonly branding/logotypes).
- Reserve essential images of text for true cases where presentation is essential (e.g., logo).
- If an image contains words conveying information, prefer HTML text styled via CSS.
- Do not use images of text for headings, navigation, or buttons.
Reference: All summaries and highlights originate from Understanding WCAG 1.4.9 and the W3C quick reference.
Fast facts
- Conformance level
- Level AAA
- WCAG version introduced
- WCAG 2.0
- Principle
- Perceivable
- Guideline
- 1.4 · Distinguishable
Examples
Make success tangible for teams
Share pass/fail snapshots to coach designers, engineers, QA, and content authors.
Navigation label
Pass
Navigation uses real text with CSS styling.
Fail
Navigation items are PNGs with text in them.
Logo
Pass
Brand logo image (essential) is allowed.
Fail
Marketing tagline rendered as an image for styling convenience.
Decorative
Pass
Decorative “SALE” graphic is `alt=""` and not relied upon for meaning.
Fail
“SALE” image is the only place the discount information appears.
Evidence to keep
Document conformance decisions
Capture artifacts for VPATs, procurement reviews, and regression testing.
- Maintain a whitelist of essential images of text (logos) with rationale.
- Document design guidance: never ship headings/buttons as images.
Official resources
Deep dives and supporting material
Keep these links handy when writing acceptance criteria or responding to audits.
Understanding 1.4.9
Official W3C interpretation, techniques, and intent for Images of Text (No Exception).
Quick Reference 1.4.9
Filterable list of sufficient techniques and failures.
Technique C22
Using CSS to control visual presentation of text.
Failure F3
Failure due to using images of text without providing the same information as text.
Implementation checklist
Capture progress and blockers
- Audit for any images containing meaningful text.
- Replace with real text styled via CSS.
- Limit remaining images of text to logos/branding or purely decorative cases.
- Ensure any essential images of text have appropriate alt text when informative.
- Ensure decorative text-in-images are ignored by assistive tech (empty alt or CSS background).
Testing ideas
Prove conformance with evidence
- Review images across templates and locate embedded text.
- Confirm meaningful text is provided as real text, not only inside images.
- Zoom to 200%+ and verify readability and layout reflow for text content.
- Use a screen reader to ensure text is available as text (not only image alt).
Related success criteria
More from Distinguishable (1.4)
WCAG 1.4.1Use of ColorLevel AWCAG 1.4.2Audio ControlLevel AWCAG 1.4.3Contrast (Minimum)Level AAWCAG 1.4.4Resize TextLevel AAWCAG 1.4.5Images of TextLevel AAWCAG 1.4.6Contrast (Enhanced)Level AAAWCAG 1.4.7Low or No Background AudioLevel AAAWCAG 1.4.8Visual PresentationLevel AAAWCAG 1.4.10ReflowLevel AAWCAG 1.4.11Non-text ContrastLevel AAWCAG 1.4.12Text SpacingLevel AAWCAG 1.4.13Content on Hover or FocusLevel AA