Images of Text

Avoid using images of text. Screen readers cannot read the text and enlarging the image may make the text illegible.

What is an image of text?

Unlike digital text, text included in an cannot be selected, copied or edited. Digital text (e.g., HTML) can be enlarged indefinitely without losing quality or sharpness, while an image of text degrades as it is enlarged.

Avoid doing any of the following that result in creating an image of text:

  • Scanning a document.
  • Taking a screenshot of a digital file, like a PDF.
  • Using the print to PDF option.
  • Creating an image that includes text.

What's wrong with using images of text?

  • Screen readers cannot read text on images. They can identify the image, but won't be able to recognize the words embedded in it. This includes photos with text added in Photoshop or other editing software.
  • Text on images can be hard to read and will become pixilated and unreadable when enlarged.
  • Images with text cause color contrast issues between the text and background. 
  • The user cannot interact with the text. If you include any links, the user won't be able to click or copy/paste the links.
  • The text cannot be translated into other languages.
  • Users with slow or unreliable internet may choose not to load photos on web pages and will not see the information in the image.
  • Search engines cannot index the text on images.