Accessibility Tip: Avoid Images of Text
Images that contain text are often used in graphics, announcements, or promotional materials. While these images may look visually appealing, they can create accessibility barriers if the text is not available in another format.
Screen readers cannot read text that is embedded inside an image. This means people who rely on assistive technology may miss important information if it only appears within a graphic.
Why Images of Text Can Be a Problem
When text is placed inside an image, it cannot be resized, searched, or interpreted by many assistive technologies. This can make it difficult for some users to access or understand the information.
Images of text may also be harder to read for people who need larger text or higher contrast.
Whenever possible, important information should be presented as real text rather than text inside an image.
When Images with Text Are Used
Sometimes images with text are used for design or branding purposes, such as social media graphics or event promotions. In these cases, it is important to ensure the information is also available in accessible text nearby.
For example, if a graphic promotes an event, the event details should also appear in the page text or post description.
Tips for Accessible Content
Use real text whenever possible.
Text that is part of the page or document is easier for assistive technologies to read.
Provide the same information in text form.
If an image includes important text, make sure the information is also available outside the image.
Use alt text appropriately.
Alt text can describe simple images, but it may not be suitable for large amounts of text.
Keep graphics focused on visuals.
Images work best when they support content rather than replace it.
Accessible Content Helps Everyone
Using real text instead of images of text helps ensure information can be read by assistive technologies, resized for readability, and easily understood by a wider range of users.
Small adjustments like this can make digital content more accessible and easier for everyone to use.
Quick Accessibility Check
Before publishing content, ask yourself:
- Is important information presented as real text rather than inside an image?
- If a graphic includes text, is the same information available in the surrounding content?
- Is the image supporting the content rather than replacing it?
Accessibility Tip is a series from the Digital Accessibility group, a subcommittee of the University Technology Committee, sharing practical ways to improve digital accessibility and create more inclusive online experiences at Minnesota State Moorhead.