Critical1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A), 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A)Rule ID: input-image-alt
Image input buttons must have alternate text
`<input type="image">` elements are missing meaningful `alt` text.
Rule Description
Checks input[type="image"] for a present, non-empty, and meaningful alt attribute.
Why It Matters
- Screen reader users cannot identify image button purpose
- Voice users cannot target the control by name
- Functional controls without names block task completion
How to Fix
Set a descriptive alt attribute that explains the action.
Bad Example:
<input type="image" src="search.png"> <input type="image" src="submit.png" alt="image">
Good Example:
<input type="image" src="search.png" alt="Search"> <input type="image" src="checkout.png" alt="Complete purchase">
Common Mistakes
- Omitting
alt - Using filenames as alt text
- Reusing vague labels like “button”
Testing
- Run automated checks for
input-image-alt - Inspect accessible name in browser accessibility tree
- Verify action is announced clearly by screen reader
External Resources
Automate Your Accessibility Testing
Our tool automatically checks for this rule and hundreds of other accessibility issues.
Start Your Free Trial