[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "what%20are%20the%20different%20types%20of%20images%20that%20are%20covered%20under%20the%20wcag%20guideline%201.1.1%20such%20as%3A%20decorative%20ETC."
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Under WCAG Success Criterion 1.1.1 \u201cNon-text Content\u201d (Level A), all non-text content (like images, icons, buttons, graphs) must have a text alternative *unless* certain exceptions apply. Different types of images are treated differently depending on their purpose. Below are the main image categories and how WCAG expects you to handle each. ([appt.org](https://appt.org/en/guidelines/wcag/success-criterion-1-1-1?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 1. Informative Images  \n**What are they?**  \n- Photos, illustrations, diagrams or graphics used to convey meaning, emotion, or concepts. They are used to support content, not just decoration. ([oregon.gov](https://www.oregon.gov/ode/accessibility/checklist/Pages/images.aspx?utm_source=openai))\n\n**WCAG Requirement:**  \n- Must have a meaningful alt text (\u201calternative text\u201d) which describes the image\u2019s content or meaning in context. This text should be concise but enough to convey what you\u2019d miss if you couldn\u2019t see the image. ([wcag.dock.codes](https://wcag.dock.codes/documentation/wcag111/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 2. Functional or Interactive Images  \n**What are they?**  \n- Images used as controls, such as buttons or links (e.g., a printer icon for \u201cprint,\u201d a search icon). Also includes images of form controls. Their purpose is not just visual but interactive or navigational. ([oregon.gov](https://www.oregon.gov/ode/accessibility/checklist/Pages/images.aspx?utm_source=openai))\n\n**WCAG Requirement:**  \n- The alt text must describe what action will occur if a user activates it (e.g. alt=\"Search\", alt=\"Download file\"). Do **not** simply describe what the image looks like (\u201cmagnifying glass\u201d) unless that\u2019s the action. ([getwcag.com](https://getwcag.com/en/accessibility-guide/input-image-alt?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 3. Images of Text  \n**What are they?**  \n- Text presented visually within an image (e.g., posters, logos containing words, stylized type). These include logos unless they only serve a functional purpose like linking to the home page. ([wcag.eu](https://wcag.eu/knowledge/guidelines/wcag-2-1-guidelines/?utm_source=openai))\n\n**WCAG Requirement:**  \n- WCAG recommends using real text instead of text in images whenever possible. If you must use an image of text, the alt text must contain *exactly* the same words as in the image. That ensures consistency and accessibility. ([oregon.gov](https://www.oregon.gov/ode/accessibility/checklist/Pages/images.aspx?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 4. Decorative Images  \n**What are they?**  \n- Visual flourishes, borders, spacers, background patterns or images that add aesthetic value but don\u2019t convey meaningful information. They don\u2019t change the meaning of the content if removed. ([rit.edu](https://www.rit.edu/brandportal/principle-1-perceivable?utm_source=openai))\n\n**WCAG Requirement:**  \n- Should have an empty alt attribute (`alt=\"\"`) if using `<img>`, or be hidden from assistive technologies via `role=\"presentation\"` or `aria-hidden=\"true\"`. If possible, use CSS backgrounds so screen readers ignore them. ([getwcag.com](https://getwcag.com/en/accessibility-guide/image-decorative?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 5. Complex Images  \n**What are they?**  \n- Images whose content is too detailed to communicate in a short alt text: charts, infographics, maps, dashboards, statistical graphs. ([oregon.gov](https://www.oregon.gov/ode/accessibility/checklist/Pages/images.aspx?utm_source=openai))\n\n**WCAG Requirement:**  \n- Provide a short alt text summarizing the main message. Then, offer a longer description nearby or via a link if needed. The goal is that someone who cannot see the image still understands what it conveys. ([roanestate.edu](https://www.roanestate.edu/webfolders/WESTDK2/Web%20Content%20Accessibility%20Guidelines%202_1%20Checklist.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### Why These Distinctions Matter  \n\n- **Clarity for assistive tech users:** A meaningful alt text helps people using screen readers to get the same information visual users do. Decorative images are skipped, reducing \u201cnoise.\u201d ([getwcag.com](https://getwcag.com/en/accessibility-guide/image-decorative?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Avoid misunderstandings:** Functional images need clarity about action. If a button\u2019s icon is \u201cprint,\u201d alt should reflect its purpose. ([getwcag.com](https://getwcag.com/en/accessibility-guide/input-image-alt?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Efficiency:** Over-describing decorative images or under-describing meaningful ones leads to frustration and poor accessibility.  \n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can pull up some **official definitions** directly from the WCAG documentation or show examples comparing these types to help you decide which category an image in your content falls into."
    }
]