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Level AAAWCAG 2.0

1.4.9 Images of Text (No Exception)

Images of text are used only for pure decoration, with no exception for cases where a particular presentation is essential; live text must be used for everything else.

Last reviewed: September 9, 2026

Understanding 1.4.9

This AAA-level criterion tightens 1.4.5 by removing the "essential presentation" exception, since even presentation-critical text can typically be reproduced with modern CSS, web fonts, or SVG text. It maximizes the number of low-vision users who can resize, recolor, and have text read aloud, without any remaining image-of-text case undermining that.

How to Meet It

Audit the site for any remaining images that contain words (including inline logo graphics, banner images, and infographic labels) and replace them with live text styled via CSS, or, where a graphic/text hybrid is needed, SVG text elements, which stay selectable and scalable. Reserve raster images strictly for decorative content that conveys no words.

Code Examples

INCORRECT
<img src="quote-banner.png" alt="Accessibility is not a feature, it's a right.">
CORRECT
<figure class="quote-banner">
  <blockquote>Accessibility is not a feature, it's a right.</blockquote>
</figure>

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mean logos can never contain text on an AAA-conformant site?

The explicit logo exception from 1.4.5 isn't repeated in the normative text of 1.4.9, but logotypes identify an organization rather than convey document content, so many AAA conformance evaluations still treat them as decorative brand marks. This is one of the stricter judgment calls under this criterion, and teams pursuing full AAA should document their rationale.

Is this criterion commonly a mandatory requirement?

Rarely, as a legal target: it is Level AAA, and the W3C itself advises against requiring full AAA conformance across entire sites. It is most relevant to publishers or agencies specifically committing to the highest available conformance level for particular content.

Related Success Criteria

1.4.1 Use of Color1.4.2 Audio Control1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)1.4.4 Resize Text

Quick Facts

  • Criterion1.4.9
  • LevelAAA
  • IntroducedWCAG 2.0

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