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Don't use images of text at all, unless essential (e.g., logos).
Why it matters: Ensures all text is fully accessible and customizable.
Images of text are only used for pure decoration or where a particular presentation of text is essential to the information being conveyed.
What This Means: This success criterion is a stricter version of 1.4.5 (Level AA). At Level AAA, images of text should only be used for pure decoration or when the specific visual presentation is essential to the information (like logos or text that cannot be replicated with CSS). Unlike Level AA, there's no exception for customizable images of text.
Why It's Important: Real text provides the best accessibility because it can be resized, recolored, customized, and read by screen readers. Images of text are static and cannot be modified by users. At the AAA level, we aim for the highest accessibility, which means minimizing or eliminating images of text except when absolutely necessary.
Use real text with CSS styling instead of images of text. Only use images of text for logos, brand names, or when the specific visual presentation is essential and cannot be achieved with CSS. Even then, ensure the images have proper alt text and consider providing text alternatives when possible.
This criterion ensures that users with low vision can access and understand the content, improving their overall experience and ability to use the website effectively.
This criterion ensures that screen reader users can access and understand the content, improving their overall experience and ability to use the website effectively.
Impact: When this criterion is properly implemented, it removes barriers for these user groups and creates a more inclusive web experience for everyone.
A heading is created as an image, even though it could be styled with CSS.
<img src="heading.png" alt="Welcome to Our Site" />A heading uses real text with CSS, allowing full customization.
<h1 style="font-family: 'Custom Font'; color: #333; font-size: 2rem;">
Welcome to Our Site
</h1>A company logo is an image of text, which is acceptable as the visual presentation is essential.
<img src="logo.png" alt="Company Name" />This success criterion benefits the following user groups:
Tip: Use this checklist during development and testing to ensure all requirements for 1.4.9 Images of Text (No Exception) are met. Check off items as you complete them.
Note: These are official W3C resources for 1.4.9. For the most up-to-date information and detailed technical guidance, always refer to the official W3C documentation.
Implementing 1.4.9 Images of Text (No Exception) correctly requires understanding your specific context. Code solutions vary significantly based on multiple factors:
HTML, React, Vue, Angular, PHP, Python, and other frameworks each have different patterns and best practices.
Server-side rendering, client-side rendering, static generation, and hybrid approaches require different solutions.
Your existing components, styling approach, and UI library influence how accessibility must be implemented.
Your specific user base, content type, and interaction patterns determine the most appropriate implementation.
We provide tailored implementation guidance by analyzing your specific technology stack, coding patterns, design system, and project requirements. Our team reviews your codebase and provides custom solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing architecture.
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1.4 Distinguishable