Free guide · Updated July 2026
WCAG 2.2 image requirements for WordPress
A practical guide for informative vs decorative images, functional icons, complex graphics, and how to remediate WordPress media libraries without claiming formal conformance.
1. Scope of this guide
WCAG is a broad standard. This paper focuses only on images and text alternatives — the part OpptiAI helps teams operationalise. It is not legal advice and does not certify your site.
2. Informative images
If an image conveys information a user would miss without it, write meaningful alt text: subject + distinguishing detail when helpful. Avoid filenames and keyword stuffing. Grade drafts with the alt text grader.
3. Decorative images
Purely decorative images should use empty alt="" so assistive technology skips them. Do not auto-fill decorative chrome with AI descriptions.
4. Functional images
When an image is the sole content of a control (icon button, linked logo), describe the action or destination — e.g. “Search” or “OpptiAI home” — not “magnifying glass icon.”
5. Complex images
Charts and diagrams need a short alt plus a longer text alternative nearby (caption, data table, or transcript). AI drafts can help start that text; humans must verify accuracy.
6. Remediating WordPress at scale
- Tick basics with the WCAG image checklist.
- Find public-page gaps via the free image SEO audit.
- Bulk-draft with OpptiAI Alt Text Generator, approve before save — never silent overwrite.
More accessibility resources
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FAQ
Does following this guide make my site WCAG conformant?
No. This is educational guidance for image practices. Formal conformance needs a broader evaluation of your templates, content, and assistive-tech testing.
Should AI write alt text for decorative images?
Usually no. Decorative images should keep empty alt so screen readers skip them. Focus generation on informative and product imagery, then review.
How does OpptiAI help with accessibility?
OpptiAI Alt Text Generator helps teams find missing or weak alt text and draft replacements with review-before-save — humans stay in the loop.