Pixelization enlarged images

Often, the graphics contain text that is part of the image. For example, the chart below contains the word "university". Some users with low vision use programs that expand elements on the screen so they can see them more easily. Unfortunately, when the text is in an enlarged image, it often appears pixelated and becomes difficult to read. Look at an example.

The chart was expanded to 500% of its normal size. You can see that the text is difficult to read. If an actual text had been used, it would have been much easier to read, as in the example below:

University

So does that mean you should not use text in your images? In an ideal world perhaps, but current technology makes it difficult to carry out some drawings without using text in graphics. The practical answer is that you should try to limit the amount of text in graphics. One of the places where the text inside the graphics can be justified is in the logos and brand images. The Internet does not offer a way to convey the text of such an image without using a plugin such as Flash and SVG. However, if there is a way to use real text, you must do.

Pixelated text can be particularly difficult to read when there are other visual elements to the background, as in the enlarged image of the cover of a book.

Although the white text contrasts well with the background dark blue, the drawings of the background obscure the text, despite the fact that these drawings are subtle.

Recommendations

If you need to text in an image, follow these recommendations:

• Use font sizes as large as possible.
• Use simple fonts if possible.
• Use a good color contrast between text and background.

A good tool to check the contrast of colors (as well as the compatibility of colors for the color blind) can be used on the site Vischeck .