No Login Data Private Local Save

Screen Reader Text Preview - Online See Hidden A11y Labels

Accessibility Tester a11y preview screen reader text
38
0
0
0
Input HTML
Paste & Analyze
Presets:
Detected A11y Labels
Ready to analyze

Paste HTML and click Analyze

Or select a preset to see a demo

Frequently Asked Questions
What are hidden accessibility labels?

Hidden accessibility labels are text strings embedded in HTML attributes like aria-label, title, alt, or inside CSS-hidden elements (e.g., .sr-only). They are invisible to sighted users but are read aloud by screen readers, helping visually impaired users understand the page structure and interactive elements.

What is aria-label and when should I use it?

aria-label provides an accessible name for an element when no visible text label exists. Use it on interactive elements like icon buttons, form inputs without visible labels, or landmarks. Always ensure the label is concise, descriptive, and meaningful. Avoid duplicating visible text that is already accessible.

What does sr-only / visually-hidden mean?

The .sr-only (screen-reader-only) CSS class visually hides content while keeping it accessible to assistive technologies. Common implementations use position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;clip:rect(0,0,0,0). Bootstrap, Tailwind, and WordPress all include their own versions. It's ideal for providing context like "Skip to main content" links or form hints.

Why should I audit hidden a11y labels?

Hidden labels directly impact the screen reader experience. Missing, duplicate, or poorly written labels can confuse assistive technology users, leading to navigation difficulties and legal compliance issues (WCAG, ADA, Section 508). Regular audits help maintain an inclusive and compliant website.

What's the difference between aria-label and aria-labelledby?

aria-label is a direct string value, while aria-labelledby references the id of another DOM element whose text content serves as the label. aria-labelledby is preferred when visible text already exists elsewhere on the page, as it reduces redundancy and keeps labels in sync with visible content.

Does an empty alt attribute (alt="") affect accessibility?

Yes — an empty alt="" signals to screen readers that the image is decorative and should be ignored. This is correct practice for purely decorative images. However, a missing alt attribute on a meaningful image is a WCAG violation (Success Criterion 1.1.1). Always provide descriptive alt text for informative images.

How does aria-describedby differ from aria-labelledby?

aria-describedby provides additional descriptive information (like hints or error messages), while aria-labelledby provides the essential name. A screen reader typically announces the label first, then the description. Use describedby for supplementary context like password requirements or field format hints.

Can I test a live website URL with this tool?

Yes, you can enter a URL in the fetch bar. However, due to browser CORS policies, many websites will block cross-origin requests. For best results, paste the HTML source directly, use a CORS-enabled API, or install a browser extension that allows fetching. Local or same-origin URLs work reliably.

🔧 Related Tools