Text is not embedded in images
What this criterion checks
This criterion maps to 1.4.5. Images of text (AA). A detailed plain-language description is maintained in the WebLens criteria catalogue; the WCAG sub-test breakdown below describes exactly what the agent checks and what it does not.
How it's assessed
WebLens walks each user journey, captures a screenshot at every step, and an agent reasons over that evidence. See the how WebLens works for the full pipeline and the deterministic checks layered in for accessibility.
Sub-test coverage
1.4.5. Images of text (AA) is broken into 3 sub-tests. Coverage is honest about where the agent is reliable, where it only partially checks the requirement, and where a human reviewer is still needed.
3 partial
- A way exists for users to customize how images of text are displayedPartial
If images of text are found, our tool scans for controls that might offer a text-based alternative — theme toggles, text size controls, or accessibility settings. It tests whether activating these controls changes the presentation. However, customization mechanisms available through site settings or other paths may not be found by the automated scan.
- Essential exceptions (logos, branding, screenshots) are correctly identifiedPartial
Our tool recognizes logos, branding, product cover art, screenshots, and artistic text as allowed exceptions. It uses both page structure clues and visual analysis. Most common exceptions are correctly identified, but unusual cases may need a person to confirm — for instance, a stylized heading that could be rendered with web fonts.
- Information is conveyed using real text rather than images containing baked-in textPartial
Our tool scans images on the page and uses visual analysis to detect text embedded in images. It scrolls the page first to trigger common lazy-loading patterns, so images that load on scroll are included. When text is found, it determines whether it is informational (a marketing headline or message overlaid on a background) or essential (a logo, a product name that identifies what the image shows, a screenshot). Informational text in images is flagged. What still needs manual review: images that only load after explicit user interaction (clicking a button, opening a tab), and text placed on background images applied through styling rather than image elements — our tool only scans image elements, not styled backgrounds.
How reliable it is
This criterion is currently scoring below its expected accuracy range, so confirm each finding before acting on it. See Accuracy & confidence for how the confidence tags are set.