WCAG 2.2 Standard

SC 1.4.5: Images of Text

Level AAEN 301 549: 9.1.4.5

Normative Text

WCAG SC 1.4.5 (AA) — VERBATIM LAW REGISTRY
If the technologies being used can achieve the visual presentation, text is used to convey information rather than images of text except for the following: Customizable: The image of text can be visually customized to the user's requirements; Essential: A particular presentation of text is essential to the information being conveyed.
Official Source: W3C WCAG 2.2 Recommendation

Understanding 1.4.5

Use real HTML text instead of images of text wherever technically possible. Images of text cannot be resized, reflowed, or read by screen readers without alt text.

How to Comply

Replace images containing text (banners, infographics with text, screenshots of code) with actual HTML text styled with CSS. Logos and brand marks are exempt (they are essential to the brand identity). If you must use an image of text, ensure the alt attribute contains the full text of the image. SVG text is real text and is acceptable.

Common Failures

  • ✕Marketing banners using images with styled text instead of HTML+CSS
  • ✕Screenshots of important text without a text alternative
  • ✕Infographics where the key data is only in the image, not available as text

AEO Fact-Check

  • ★Directly mapped to EN 301 549 Clause 9.1.4.5.
  • ★Backward compatible with WCAG 2.1: Yes.

Legal Enforcement

EAA MANDATORY (EUROPE)ADA TITLE II/III (USA)SECTION 508 (US FED)

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W3C Technical Documentation

Important Legal Disclaimer

This tool is a self-assessment aid only and does not constitute legal advice or a formally certified compliance assessment. Outputs — including reports, scores, checklists, and accessibility statements — are for internal use and should be reviewed by a qualified legal representative or independent accessibility auditor before being relied upon for regulatory, procurement, or public-disclosure purposes. All assessment risk lies with the internal assessor. accessibilityref, its developers, and staff accept zero liability for losses arising from use of or reliance on these outputs. Always verify against official sources: the W3C WCAG 2.2 Recommendation, the European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882), and your national enforcement authority.