Title attribute cannot be used for image with empty alt attribute

Compliance Data & User Impact

User Impact: Critical

80% Complete

Disabilities Affected:

  • blindness
  • deaf blindness
  • learning disabilities

WCAG Version:
2

WCAG Levels:

  • A

WCAG Guidelines:

Solution Techniques:

Automated Test Accuracy:
High

Check1st Severity:
3

DRRSAG Designations:

  • description

How to Fix the Problem

The alt and title attributes should align. You cannot set the alt text to null and use the title attribute. If the image is meaningful- the alt text should complete the title text. In case the image is decorative and should be ignored by assistive technology the title attribute should be removed or left empty.

The Algorithm, in Simple Terms

Engine scans the page for <IMG> elements (excl. images inside links) with empty alt and non-empty title

Why Is it Important?

Users who use assistive tools, such as screen readers rely on a descriptive information to detect the content. Incorrect use of the attributes causes confusion for those users.

Code Example

<img src="/example_"img.gif" width="20"  alt="example_" />

Additional Information

Relevant Technologies: HTML and XHTML documents that load images.

This element perfoms as a container, and has no functionality. This container may contain another elements that has functionality or logical role.

Ignore this issue if this element has an alternative that performs the same and overrides the content of this element.