Email signatures are part of everyday communication and must be accessible to all recipients. Accessible signatures promote equity, inclusion, and clear communication.
Screen readers cannot read images
Alt text cannot be added in most email editors
Important information may be missed
Recipients may not be able to access:
Your name and role
Phone numbers
Email addresses
Website or resource links
Benefits of Text-Based Signatures
Text-based signatures ensure equal access.
Readable by screen readers
Links and phone numbers are clickable
Works across devices and email platforms
Same information for every recipient
WCAG-aligned accessibility practices
Empathy and inclusion
Equitable access in everyday communication
The infographic compares two approaches to email signatures through a side-by-side analysis of risks and benefits.
Core Message: Switch to text-based signatures for equitable communication and inclusion, as they overcome barriers inherent in image-only formats.
Invisible to Screen Readers: Assistive technologies cannot read text that is embedded within an image file.
Missing Critical Information: Recipients often lose access to essential details like names, phone numbers, and website links if the image fails to load or is unreadable.
Lack of Metadata Support: Most email editors do not provide the functionality for users to add necessary Alt Text to signature images.
Universal Device Compatibility: Text renders correctly across all email platforms and mobile devices.
Fully Interactive Elements: Phone numbers and links remain clickable for all recipients.
WCAG-Aligned Inclusion: Supports equitable access and empathy in everyday professional communication.