WCAG explained
WCAG 1.1.1: Non-text Content
Success criterion 1.1.1 is the foundation of web accessibility: anything that isn't text needs a text alternative. Here's what that means in practice.
What it requires (in plain English)
Level: A. Every non-text element that conveys meaning, images, icons, charts, image buttons, CAPTCHAs, audio/video, must have a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose. Purely decorative non-text content should be hidden from assistive technology instead.
Common ways pages fail 1.1.1
- Informative images with no
altattribute, or with unhelpful alt like a filename. - Icon-only buttons and links (search, cart, social icons) with no accessible name.
- Charts and infographics with no text summary of the data.
- CAPTCHAs with no accessible alternative.
- Decorative images that are not hidden, so screen readers announce noise.
How to test and pass
An automated scan (free above) reliably catches missing and empty text alternatives, a large share of 1.1.1 failures. For the rest, check manually that each alternative actually conveys the right meaning. To pass: give informative images concise, purposeful alt text; name icon controls with aria-label; summarise complex graphics in text; and mark decorative images with alt="".
Frequently asked questions
What level is WCAG 1.1.1?
Level A, the most basic conformance level. Meeting it is required for A, AA and AAA conformance.
Does 1.1.1 only apply to images?
No. It covers all non-text content that conveys meaning: icons, image buttons, charts, audio, video, CAPTCHAs and more.
Can automated tools fully check 1.1.1?
They catch missing or empty alternatives well, but a human still has to judge whether an alternative conveys the correct meaning. We flag what needs review rather than claiming full coverage.
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