Images of text refer to text that is rendered as part of an image rather than as real, selectable text. When text is presented this way, users cannot adjust how it looks or behaves. This success criterion exists to ensure that users can control text presentation, including size, spacing, colour, and font, using browser settings, assistive technology, or custom styles.
If the same visual result can be achieved using real text and CSS, authors should not use images of text to convey information.
WCAG Success Criterion
1.4.5 Images of Text (Level AA)
If the technologies being used can achieve the visual presentation, text is used to convey information rather than images of text, except in the following cases:
Customizable
The image of text can be visually customised to meet the user’s requirements.
Essential
A particular presentation of text is essential to the information being conveyed.
Note: Logotypes (text that is part of a logo or brand name) are considered essential and are exempt.
Why Images of Text Are a Problem
Text embedded in images cannot be reliably adapted by users. Unlike real text, it cannot be:
- Resized cleanly without blurring
- Recoloured to increase contrast
- Reflowed or spaced for readability
- Read and manipulated by user stylesheets
This makes images of text especially difficult for users who rely on visual adjustments rather than screen readers.
Who This Helps
This criterion primarily supports users who:
- Have low vision and need to change font size or contrast
- Have visual tracking difficulties and rely on spacing or alignment changes
- Have cognitive disabilities that affect reading speed or comprehension
- Use custom stylesheets or browser accessibility settings
When text is real text, users can adapt it to their needs. When text is part of an image, that control is lost.
What Counts as an Image of Text
An image of text is an image whose primary purpose is to display readable text.
Common examples include:
- Headings rendered as bitmap images
- Buttons or navigation labels embedded in images
- Quotes or slogans displayed only as images
- Decorative fonts are used by converting text into images
This criterion does not apply to images where text is only a small part of a larger visual, such as:
- Charts and graphs
- Diagrams and infographics
- Screenshots
- Photographs containing incidental text
In those cases, the image conveys more than just text, and different accessibility requirements apply.
When Images of Text Are Allowed
Images of text are permitted only when one of the exceptions applies.
Essential Presentation
An image of text may be used when the exact visual presentation is essential to the meaning, such as:
- Logotypes and brand marks
- Font specimens or typography samples
- Historical documents or original letters
- Artistic or symbolic text where appearance is the subject
In these cases, replacing the image with real text would change the meaning of the content.
Customizable Images of Text
Images of text may also be used if users can customise them to meet their needs.
For example, a system that dynamically generates images of text based on user-selected font size and colours can meet the criterion.
Important Clarification
This criterion focuses on substitution, not duplication.
If an image of text is used in addition to equivalent real text that conveys the same information, the criterion is met. This allows authors to preserve visual design while still providing accessible text that users can adapt.
This is different from SC 1.4.9 Images of Text (No Exception), which removes most allowances and applies stricter rules.
Examples of Passing Approaches
A heading styled with CSS instead of a bitmap image.
Navigation links using icons alongside real text.
Quotes styled using font, spacing, and alignment through CSS.
Text labels are included as real text even when decorative images are also present.
Logos containing text, provided they include appropriate text alternatives.
Common Failures
- Using images for headings purely to control font appearance
- Displaying slogans or key messages only as images
- Replacing navigation text with image-based labels
- Embedding text in images when CSS could achieve the same effect
A common misconception is that images of text are acceptable if they “look nicer.”
Visual preference is not a valid reason when real text can achieve the same result.
Rule Description
If text can be presented using real text with the available technologies, it must not be presented as an image. Images of text are allowed only when the presentation is essential, or the image can be customised by the user.
The Algorithm
- Identify images that contain readable text
- Ask whether the image is being used instead of real text
- Determine whether the same presentation could be achieved using text and CSS
- Check whether the image is essential or user-customizable
- If not, the criterion fails
Wrapping Up
Images of text remove user control. Real text restores it. If users need to adjust how text looks to read or understand it, that text must be real, selectable, and adaptable whenever possible. Images of text should be the exception, not the default. When in doubt, use text first, and style it with CSS.
