Perceivable · Level AAA · Introduced in WCAG 2.0
WCAG 1.4.9: Images of Text (No Exception)
Published by whatisADA / Grow Wild Agency · Updated
What this criterion means
At Level AAA, use images of text only for pure decoration or when the particular presentation is essential. This is stricter than the AA criterion's allowance for user-customizable images of text.
A practical example
A dashboard exports its instructions as an image even though their appearance is ordinary typography. Replace the instructions with HTML text. A wordmark can remain an image when its specific presentation is essential to the information.
How to check it
- Locate content whose primary purpose is to display words as pixels or outlines.
- Distinguish decorative words and essential presentation from ordinary readable text.
- Replace nonessential text images and verify that the resulting text supports selection, resizing and assistive reading.
What can be missed
A customization control that was relevant to 1.4.5 does not create an exception here. Evaluate this enhanced criterion separately when claiming AAA.
Record your test
Use this worksheet to record what you actually checked. Notes stay on this device when you choose Save; they are not sent to us. Avoid personal or confidential information on shared devices.
These are your observations, not automated results or a conformance certificate. A complete evaluation needs appropriate scope, supported technologies, all applicable criteria and relevant page states.
Primary sources and scope
This is independent implementation guidance with original examples. The linked standard contains the full definitions, exceptions and conformance requirements. A criterion or checklist alone does not establish legal applicability or whole-site conformance.