WCAG Quick Reference

Search and filter all WCAG 2.0 through 2.2 success criteria. Each criterion includes a plain-English description with testing and remediation guidance.

Level
Principle
Version

Showing 28 of 28 criteria

1.1.1Level APerceivableWCAG 2.0

Non-text Content

All non-text content (images, icons, charts) must have a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose.

1.2.1Level APerceivableWCAG 2.0

Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)

Prerecorded audio-only content needs a transcript. Prerecorded video-only content needs either a transcript or audio description.

1.2.2Level APerceivableWCAG 2.0

Captions (Prerecorded)

All prerecorded audio content in synchronized media must have captions.

1.3.1Level APerceivableWCAG 2.0

Info and Relationships

Information, structure, and relationships conveyed through visual presentation must be programmatically determined or available in text.

1.4.1Level APerceivableWCAG 2.0

Use of Color

Color must not be the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.

1.4.3Level AAPerceivableWCAG 2.0

Contrast (Minimum)

Text and images of text must have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 (3:1 for large text).

1.4.11Level AAPerceivableWCAG 2.1

Non-text Contrast

UI components and graphical objects must have a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 against adjacent colors.

2.1.1Level AOperableWCAG 2.0

Keyboard

All functionality must be operable through a keyboard interface without requiring specific timings for individual keystrokes.

2.1.2Level AOperableWCAG 2.0

No Keyboard Trap

If keyboard focus can be moved to a component, focus can also be moved away from it using only the keyboard.

2.4.1Level AOperableWCAG 2.0

Bypass Blocks

A mechanism must be available to bypass blocks of content that are repeated on multiple pages (like navigation).

2.4.2Level AOperableWCAG 2.0

Page Titled

Web pages must have titles that describe their topic or purpose.

2.4.3Level AOperableWCAG 2.0

Focus Order

If a page can be navigated sequentially and the navigation order affects meaning or operation, focusable components receive focus in a meaningful order.

2.4.6Level AAOperableWCAG 2.0

Headings and Labels

Headings and labels must describe the topic or purpose of the content they introduce.

2.4.7Level AAOperableWCAG 2.0

Focus Visible

Any keyboard-operable user interface must have a visible focus indicator.

2.5.8Level AAOperableWCAG 2.2

Target Size (Minimum)

Interactive targets must be at least 24x24 CSS pixels, with some exceptions for inline links and legacy controls.

3.1.1Level AUnderstandableWCAG 2.0

Language of Page

The default human language of each web page must be programmatically determined.

3.2.1Level AUnderstandableWCAG 2.0

On Focus

When a UI component receives focus, it must not initiate a change of context (like navigating to another page or significantly altering the page).

3.3.1Level AUnderstandableWCAG 2.0

Error Identification

If an input error is automatically detected, the item in error must be identified and the error described to the user in text.

3.3.2Level AUnderstandableWCAG 2.0

Labels or Instructions

Labels or instructions are provided when content requires user input.

4.1.1Level ARobustWCAG 2.0

Parsing

In content implemented using markup languages, elements have complete start and end tags, are nested properly, and do not contain duplicate attributes.

4.1.2Level ARobustWCAG 2.0

Name, Role, Value

For all UI components, the name and role can be programmatically determined. States, properties, and values can be programmatically set.

1.3.4Level AAPerceivableWCAG 2.1

Orientation

Content must not restrict its view and operation to a single display orientation (portrait or landscape) unless essential.

1.3.5Level AAPerceivableWCAG 2.1

Identify Input Purpose

The purpose of form fields collecting user information can be programmatically determined using autocomplete attributes.

2.5.3Level AOperableWCAG 2.1

Label in Name

For UI components with visible text labels, the accessible name must contain the visible text.

2.5.4Level AOperableWCAG 2.1

Motion Actuation

Functionality triggered by device motion (shaking, tilting) must also be operable through a conventional user interface, and motion can be disabled.

3.2.6Level AUnderstandableWCAG 2.2

Consistent Help

If help mechanisms (contact info, chat, FAQ links) are repeated on multiple pages, they appear in the same relative order.

3.3.7Level AUnderstandableWCAG 2.2

Redundant Entry

Information previously entered by or provided to the user that is required again must be auto-populated or available for selection.

3.3.8Level AAUnderstandableWCAG 2.2

Accessible Authentication (Minimum)

Authentication processes must not require cognitive function tests (like puzzles or memorization) unless an alternative method is available.