Checking text and links for accessibility

You can find out if website text and links are accessible by checking the way it looks and how easy it is to read.

Website content should be created with the support of a content designer. You can find out more about designing and writing good content in our content standards.

Checking website text

To check the website text:

• change the size of text using Ctrl ++ on your keyboard
• zoom to 200%, then 400% in the browser window
• check the default text size
• check text is left-aligned
• check a sans-serif (simple) font is used
• check text is readable using a tool like the Automatic Readability Checker

What to look for

When the text size is made bigger or zoom is used, look for:

• content disappearing or being hidden by other content
• pop-up windows not scrolling
• text overlapping

When checking the way text looks:

• the text size should not be too small – this depends on your device and screen size, but if it looks too small, it probably is
• the font should be sans-serif, simple fonts without strokes or small lines at the ends of characters are easier to read
• the text should be left-aligned, right-aligned or justified text is harder to read
• the average reading age in Scotland is nine or about fifth grade, so your writing should aim for this level

Why does this matter

People who have low vision use zoom to make content easier to see.

Complicated words and sentences are hard for people who have trouble reading or understanding content. The size of text, the type of font, and the way text is aligned can also make things harder.

Checking website links

You can find out if your links are accessible by checking the link text to:

• check there is link text
• check the link text makes it clear what to expect

You should check:

• the link text does not use phrases like 'Click here', 'Link to', or 'More info' because they’re not descriptive
• graphical links have an image with alternative text
• links are not empty – there is link text or an image with an alternative text
• link text is short – just a few words, not sentences
• links don't open a new browser window or tab

Why does this matter

People who use screen readers use links to navigate through content. They can't do this if the link text is not descriptive, if it's too long, or if it's missing.

People with attention disorders and people who use magnification may not know when a link opens in a new tab or window. If they try to use the 'Back' button in their browser it will not work, and this is confusing.