1.1 Text Alternatives · Perceivable
WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content
Level A
Every non-text element (image, icon, chart, button graphic) must carry a text alternative that conveys the same meaning to people who can't see or process the visual. Decorative graphics need an empty alt, never a missing one.
Common failures
- Images that communicate information have an empty or missing alt attribute.
- Icon-only buttons have no accessible name (aria-label or visible text).
- Complex charts ship without a long-description or data table.
- Decorative images leak filenames into screen readers because alt is omitted entirely instead of empty.
How to fix
- Add a concise, content-equivalent `alt` to every meaningful image.
- Use `alt=""` for purely decorative images so screen readers skip them.
- Give icon-only controls an `aria-label` or visually-hidden text.
- For data visualisations, link to or include an accessible data table.
Related criteria
- WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships Level A
- WCAG 1.4.5 Images of Text Level AA
- WCAG 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) Level A