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.
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