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Perceivable
WCAG 1.1.1
Level A

What Are Decorative Images?

Decorative images are visual-only elements that should not distract from the content or be announced by assistive technologies.

When an image adds no meaning, it should stay out of the accessibility tree so users can move through the page without extra noise.

Screen reader users who should not hear decorative details.
Keyboard users who need a clean and predictable tab order.
Users who benefit from simpler, less noisy page content.

Improves Accessibility
Keeps Content Clear
Better User Experience
Supports Compliance

Good vs Bad Decorative Image Examples

Use the tabs to compare hidden decorative content with exposed decorative content.

Decorative image hidden from assistive tech

html

<img src="/assets/images/principals/decorative-flower.jpeg" alt="" />

Why this is correct:

Uses an empty alt attribute.
Screen readers ignore the image completely.
Keeps keyboard navigation focused on meaningful content.

Decorative SVG hidden from screen readers

html

<svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" role="presentation" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg>

Why this is correct:

Hides the icon from assistive technologies.
Prevents unnecessary keyboard focus.
Signals that the SVG is only visual decoration.

Implementation Checklist

Progress0 / 6 completed (0%)

Decorative images use empty alt text.
Decorative SVGs are hidden with aria-hidden="true" and are not focusable.
Visual flourishes do not add meaningful content to the accessibility tree.
CSS backgrounds are used when an image is purely decorative.
Important information is never placed only inside decorative imagery.
Keyboard and screen reader testing confirms decorative content is skipped.

Knowledge Check

Answer Yes or No to test your understanding of decorative images.

Score: 0 / 5 · Answered: 0 / 5

Should a purely decorative image use empty alt text?

Should decorative images be given descriptive labels?

Should decorative SVGs usually be hidden from screen readers?

Is keyboard focus useful on purely decorative images?

Should decorative visuals ever carry important information by themselves?