1.4.9 Images of Text (No Exception) (Level AAA) — WCAG 2.1
WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.4.9 Images of Text (No Exception) (Level AAA): what it requires, a common e-commerce accessibility failure, and how to fix it.
This is educational technical reference content, not legal advice. It explains what WCAG 2.1 requires and how to meet it — not whether a specific site carries legal risk. Compliance with WCAG, the ADA, or any other accessibility law or standard is a legal determination; consult qualified counsel for legal risk assessment.
WCAG 2.1 guidelines hub → Perceivable → 1.4.9 Images of Text (No Exception)
1.4.9 Images of Text (No Exception) (Level AAA)
What it requires: The strict version of 1.4.5 — images of text are allowed only for pure decoration or logos, with no “customizable” exception.
Common failure: Same as 1.4.5’s failure mode, evaluated with no exceptions available.
Fix it: Same remediation as 1.4.5 — convert to live text; this AAA criterion just closes the “customizable” loophole.
In 1.4 Distinguishable: ← 1.4.8 Visual Presentation · 1.4.10 Reflow →
↑ Back to Perceivable overview
This is educational technical reference content, not legal advice. It explains what WCAG 2.1 requires and how to meet it — not whether a specific site carries legal risk. Compliance with WCAG, the ADA, or any other accessibility law or standard is a legal determination; consult qualified counsel for legal risk assessment.
This page was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by a person for accuracy before publication.