Image ActualText Usage

What this test checks

This test checks whether images in the PDF document use Alt and Actualtext attributes correctly.

Why this maybe a barrier

Alt Text provides a descriptive alternative for non-text elements — like images, charts, and icons — so screen readers can describe them. Actual Text replaces existing text elements that need to be read differently such as drop-caps, hyphenated words or expanded abbreviations. It is important to label these correctly in PDF documents.

Misuse or mislabeling of Alt or ActualText attributes on images can cause screen readers to announce incorrect or confusing content, reducing comprehension for users relying on assistive technologies.

WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion

N.A (PDF/UA only check)

PDF/UA Principle

Section 7.3: Graphics — "If text represented in a graphic is not text in a natural language that is meant to be read by a human reader, alternative text describing the nature or purpose of the graphic shall be provided."

For implementation, the following Matterhorn protocol checkpoints are used namely,

1. 13-005 — ActualText used for a <Figure> element for which alternative text is more appropriate.
2. 13-008 — ActualText not present when a <Figure> element is intended to be consumed primarily as text.