In the HTML markup, text must be presented as actual text instead of text embedded within an image. This ensures that the text can be resized, read by screen readers, and adapted to different user needs. Except for a few cases where embedding text within an image is essential for branding or design purposes, actual text improves accessibility and usability.
Images of text can create significant barriers for accessibility because:
Ensure that text:
Is real.
Can be selected.
Can be adjusted for scale.
This section provides some pass and fail examples of this success criteria.
Use HTML text instead of an image for headings:
<h1>Welcome to Our Website</h1>
Use CSS to style text instead of embedding the text in an image:
<p style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">
Special Offer: 50% Off!
</p>
Provide a text alternative when text in an image is necessary, such as for branding purposes:
<img src="company-logo.png" alt="CompanyName logo">
An image with a text banner instead of real text:
<img src="welcome-banner.png" alt="Welcome to Our Website">
An image for a call-to-action button instead of an actual button element:
<img src="signup-now.png" alt="Sign Up Now">
Fix: Use an actual button element with text:
<button>Sign Up Now</button>
This section provides some methods on how to review and fix the issue.
alt
attribute that accurately conveys the same information?Use real text instead of images whenever possible.
<h2 style="color: #ff5733;">Limited Time Offer: 30% Off!</h2>
Why this works: The text remains accessible and can be resized or read by screen readers.
Use CSS and SVG to create styled text.
.text-banner {
font-size: 24px;
font-weight: bold;
background: linear-gradient(to right, #ff7e5f, #feb47b);
color: white;
padding: 10px;
}
<p class="text-banner">Exclusive Sale – Limited Time Only!</p>
Why this works: The gradient effect is achieved with CSS, while the text remains selectable and accessible.
If an image of text is necessary, provide an accurate alt text.
<img src="event-promo.png" alt="Event Promo: Tech Conference 2025, Register Now!">
Why this works: The alt text conveys the same message as the image.
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Fri Apr 25 2025 07:22:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)