Graphic element
This term is defined by more than one standard, and the wording differs. Each definition below is the one that applies to that standard’s criteria.
Definition in RAWeb 1.1
Element using a visual representation such as images, pictograms or graphics.
This element may be made up of one or more parts that need to be visible in order to be understood (for example, each point on each line of a statistics graph).
Definition in RAAM 1.1
Element using a visual representation such as images, pictograms or graphics.
This element may be made up of one or more parts which need to be visible in order to be understood (for example, each point on each line of a statistics chart).
The "Image" role is not rendered uniformly in all environments.
- TalkBack (Android): the nature of graphic elements is not rendered when they are integrated into a native application; the screen reader will render the description if it is defined but will not announce "image". However, for images embedded in web views, the screen reader will render "Graphic elements".
- VoiceOver (iOS): whether in a native application or in a web view, VoiceOver renders "Image" for images it can access.
Generally speaking, depending on the development method, it is also possible that the role is not rendered on either TalkBack or VoiceOver. In this case, observation alone will determine the nature of the element.
In most cases, it is not essential for the "Image" role to be rendered. Except in special cases where identification of the role is essential, the absence of a rendered role cannot constitute non-compliance.
Criteria in RAAM 1.1
- 1.1 — Is every decorative graphic element ignored by assistive technologies?
- 1.2 — Does each graphic element conveying information have an alternative accessible to assistive technologies?
- 1.3 — For each graphic element conveying information, is the alternative accessible to assistive technologies relevant (excluding special cases)?
- 1.4 — For each graphic element used as a CAPTCHA or as a test graphic element, does the alternative rendered by the assistive technologies make it possible to identify the nature and function of the graphic element?
- 1.5 — Does each graphic element used as a CAPTCHA have an alternative?
- 1.6 — Does each graphic element conveying information have, where necessary, a detailed description?
- 1.8 — Each text graphic element conveying information, in the absence of a replacement mechanism, must, if possible, be replaced by styled text. Is this rule respected (excluding special cases)?