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Level AAWCAG 2.0

1.4.5 Images of Text

Images of text are only used for pure decoration or where a particular presentation of that text is essential to the information being conveyed.

Last reviewed: September 9, 2026

Understanding 1.4.5

Real text can be resized, recolored, reflowed, and read aloud by assistive technology, while an image of text is a fixed bitmap that pixelates when enlarged and cannot be customized by the user. This criterion pushes authors to use styled live text via CSS instead of graphics whenever the same visual result is achievable, benefiting people with low vision who need to adjust text presentation.

How to Meet It

Replace images that contain words (headings, buttons, promotional banners) with real text styled using CSS (custom web fonts, letter-spacing, text-shadow, or gradient fills) whenever the same look can be achieved that way. Reserve actual images of text for logos and wordmarks, or cases where a specific rendering (such as a screenshot needed for instructional accuracy) is essential, and provide descriptive alt text for those images.

Code Examples

INCORRECT
<img src="sale-banner.png" alt="Summer Sale">
<!-- Heading rendered as a raster image with the words baked in -->
CORRECT
<h2 class="sale-banner">Summer Sale</h2>

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a company logo containing text fail this criterion?

No. Logos and wordmarks are an explicit exception, because the specific rendering (font, mark, and styling) is part of the brand identity and is treated as essential presentation.

What about text baked into a screenshot used in a tutorial?

That's generally acceptable too, since the exact visual (a real UI screenshot) is essential to what's being communicated. The image still needs a text alternative via the alt attribute describing what it shows.

Related Success Criteria

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

Quick Facts

  • Criterion1.4.5
  • LevelAA
  • IntroducedWCAG 2.0

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