- Success Criterion 1.4.3
- Conformance level AA
Text Baked Into an Image Falling Below Contrast Minimum
1.4.3 — Contrast (Minimum)
Scenario
Setting
A telehealth app's video-visit waiting room
What’s wrong
Images of text below ratio (banners, buttons exported as PNGs).
Example
Try this on a telehealth app's video-visit waiting room: images of text below ratio (banners, buttons exported as PNGs).
Why it matters
Low-vision and older readers, plus anyone viewing a dim or sunlit screen. The practical effect on a telehealth app's video-visit waiting room: they miss information conveyed only by color.
How to test
Measure an image-of-text banner or button (e.g., an exported PNG) using a color picker + contrast checker on the pixel colors: it must still meet 4.5:1/3:1.
How to fix
The text must meet at least 4.5:1 contrast (3:1 for large text) against its actual background in every state (default, hover, focus, selected).
Outcome
That one change on a telehealth app's video-visit waiting room means they read the text clearly against its background.
Who is affected
Low-vision and older readers, plus anyone viewing a dim or sunlit screen.
Learn more
- Understanding Understanding document (opens in a new tab)
Related scenarios
- Text Color Set Without a Matching Background Color
- Text Placed Directly Over a Photo With No Solid Backing
- Body Text Contrast That Falls Below the 4.5:1 Minimum
- Large Heading Text That Still Falls Below 3:1 Contrast
- Placeholder Text With Contrast Too Low to Read Easily
- Text on a Gradient Background Dropping Below Contrast Ratio