WCAG in plain language
The official guidelines are dense. Here's every success criterion explained simply: what it means, who it helps, how to meet it, and where sites get it wrong.
Every image, icon, and image button needs a text alternative that says what it is or does, so people who can't see it still get the message.
The structure you show with visual design, like headings, lists, labels, and tables, must also exist in the code, so assistive tech understands it too.
Color can't be the only way you signal something, because not everyone sees color the same way, or at all.
Text has to stand out enough from its background to be readable: at least 4.5:1 contrast for normal text, 3:1 for large text.
People must be able to zoom text up to 200% and still use everything, and nothing should get cut off or overlap.
Content has to reflow into a single column on a narrow screen (or high zoom), with no two-directional scrolling to read.
Buttons, form borders, icons, and focus outlines need enough contrast too, at least 3:1, not just your text.
Tooltips and pop-ups that appear on hover or focus must be dismissable, stay put while you move onto them, and not disappear on their own.
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Prefer a hands-on checklist?
Work through the practical checklist to see where your own store stands against these criteria.