Manual testing guide

WCAG reference: 1.1.1

Automated checks verify alt text exists; a human must judge whether it conveys the image's meaning. Verify with a screen reader and check decorative images use empty alt.

WCAG reference: 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3

Play each video/audio and confirm captions, transcript, or sign language are provided and synchronized.

WCAG reference: 1.4.1

View the page in grayscale and check whether any information is conveyed by color alone.

WCAG reference: 1.3.3

Check for instructions that rely only on shape, size, location, orientation, color, or sound.

WCAG reference: 1.4.3

Automated checks cover most cases; manually verify text over images/gradients and hover/focus states meet 4.5:1 (3:1 for large text).

WCAG reference: 1.4.2

Check no audio plays automatically for more than 3 seconds, or a stop/mute control is provided first.

Verify adjacent content blocks are visually distinguishable by borders, spacing, or background differences.

WCAG reference: 2.1.1, 2.1.2

Operate every feature using only the keyboard; ensure no keyboard traps.

WCAG reference: 2.4.3, 2.4.7, 2.4.11

Verify logical focus order, visible focus indicator, and that focused elements are not obscured.

WCAG reference: 2.5.5, 2.5.8

Verify interactive targets are at least 24×24 CSS px or adequately spaced.

WCAG reference: 2.1.4

If single-character shortcuts exist, verify they can be turned off, remapped, or are active only on focus.

WCAG reference: 2.2.1

If time limits exist (session timeout, etc.), verify users are warned and can extend or disable them.

WCAG reference: 2.2.2

Verify auto-moving content (carousels, tickers) provides pause/stop/previous/next controls.

WCAG reference: 2.3.1

Check nothing flashes more than 3 times per second.

WCAG reference: 2.4.1

Press Tab at page top and confirm a working skip link moves focus to main content.

WCAG reference: 2.4.2

Verify page titles are descriptive and unique, frames are titled, and content sections have headings.

WCAG reference: 2.4.4

Check link text (with context) identifies the destination — avoid bare 'click here' / 'more'.

Applies to web-based e-publications: verify fixed page locators exist. Often N/A for ordinary web pages.

WCAG reference: 2.5.1

Verify multipoint or path-based gestures have single-pointer alternatives.

WCAG reference: 2.5.2

Verify actions trigger on pointer-up and can be aborted by moving off the target.

WCAG reference: 2.5.3

Verify the visible text of controls is contained in their accessible name.

WCAG reference: 2.5.4

Verify motion-triggered functions have UI alternatives and motion sensing can be disabled.

WCAG reference: 3.2.1, 3.2.2

Verify focus or input alone never triggers unexpected context changes; new windows are announced in advance.

WCAG reference: 3.2.6

Verify help mechanisms appear in the same relative location across pages.

WCAG reference: 1.3.1, 1.3.2

Disable CSS or use a screen reader to verify the content order is logical.

WCAG reference: 1.3.1

Verify captions and header cells exist (automated) and header associations read correctly in a screen reader.

WCAG reference: 3.3.2, 1.3.1

Automated checks verify labels exist; confirm they describe the purpose and placeholders aren't used as labels.

WCAG reference: 3.3.1, 3.3.3

Submit invalid forms and verify errors are identified in text with correction suggestions.

WCAG reference: 3.3.8

Verify authentication doesn't rely solely on cognitive tests; paste and autofill must not be blocked.

WCAG reference: 3.3.7

In multi-step processes, verify previously entered information is auto-populated or selectable.

WCAG reference: 4.1.2, 4.1.3

Automated checks catch ARIA misuse; verify custom widgets announce role/state and follow APG keyboard patterns.