Success Criteria

A.3.1.1 Keyboard Access (Minimum): All functionality of the authoring tool is operable through a keyboard interface without requiring specific timings for individual keystrokes, except where the underlying function requires input that depends on the path of the user's movement and not just the endpoints.

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: All functionality of the authoring tool is operable through a keyboard interface without requiring specific timings for individual keystrokes, except where the underlying function requires input that depends on the path of the user's movement and not just the endpoints.

Test 0001 Author: Tim Boland

1. If the platform on which the authoring tool is installed cannot be used with a keyboard (i.e. a mobile device that lacks a built in keyboard and cannot be connected via USB, Bluetooth, etc. to any form of external keyboard), then select FAIL. (Note: If this is due to limitations of the platform, "Partial Conformance due to Platform Limitation" is still possible.)
2. If an external keyboard is required, attach one.
3. Open authoring tool on the selected platform and document (list) all functions of authoring tool (this could be from authoring tool documentation or author experience with the tool). Do not include any functions where path-dependent input is required. The path exception includes the any data continuously collected from pointing devices, including pressure, speed, and angle (e.g. a paintbrush tool in a graphics editor).
4. For each function in the list:
   1. Check that the function works correctly with the keyboard. If it does not, then select FAIL.
   2. If the function must be accessed by traversing keyboard focus through the authoring tool user interface, check whether a visible focus indicator is provided for the function's user interface controls. If there is not, then select FAIL.
   3. Check that the system never requires the user to press a key within a time period of less than 20 seconds. If this is ever the case, then select FAIL.
   4. Go to the next function in the list (if any).
5. Select PASS (all functions must have passed)

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.1.2 No Keyboard Traps: If keyboard focus can be moved to a component using a keyboard interface, then focus can be moved away from that component using only a keyboard interface, and, if it requires more than unmodified arrow or tab keys or other standard exit methods, authors are advised of the method for moving focus away. (Level A)

Test 0001 Assertion: If keyboard focus can be moved to a component using a keyboard interface, then focus can be moved away from that component using only a keyboard interface, and, if it requires more than unmodified arrow or tab keys or other standard exit methods, authors are advised of the method for moving focus away.

Test 0001 Author: Tim Boland, Jan

1. If the platform on which the authoring tool is installed cannot be used with a keyboard (i.e. a mobile device that lacks a built in keyboard and cannot be connected via USB, Bluetooth, etc. to any form of external keyboard), then select SKIP.
2. Determine whether there is a mechanism for traversing a visible keyboard focus through the user interface. If not, then select SKIP.
3. For each screen of the user interface:
   1. Note the control on which the focus begins when the screen is opened..
   2. Use the mechanism to traverse the user interface controls.
   3. If it is possible to have the keyboard focus traverse to all controls and then return to the first control either by "looping" forward or traversing the controls in a backwards order, then go to the next screen.
   4. If keyboard focus cannot be returned to the first control because once it remains "stuck" one control or on a sub-set of controls (which do not include the first control), the select FAIL.
   5. Go to the next screen (if any).
4. Select PASS (all of the screens must not include any keyboard traps)

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.1.3 Efficient Keyboard Access: The authoring tool user interface includes mechanisms to make keyboard access more efficient than sequential keyboard access. (Level AA)

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: The authoring tool user interface includes mechanisms to make keyboard access more efficient than sequential keyboard access.

Test 0001 Author: Tim Boland, Jan

1. If the platform on which the authoring tool is installed cannot be used with a keyboard (i.e. a mobile device that lacks a built in keyboard and cannot be connected via USB, Bluetooth, etc. to any form of external keyboard), then select SKIP.
2. If the authoring tool supports at least two direct keyboard commands (e.g. a special key such as command, control, alt, shift, etc. plus another key), then select select PASS.
3. Determine whether there is a mechanism for traversing a visible keyboard focus through the user interface. If not, then select SKIP.
4. Determine whether there is a mechanism for traversing a visible keyboard focus through all of the user interface components in a sequential fashion. If not, then select SKIP.
5. Determine if there is any method of moving the focus more directly to interface components that occur later in the sequential order than simply traversing all of the intervening controls (e.g., page up, page down, home, end, skip to links, etc.). If at least two exist, then select select PASS. Otherwise, select FAIL.

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.1.4 Keyboard Access (Enhanced): All functionality of the authoring tool is operable through a keyboard interface without requiring specific timings for individual keystrokes. (Level AAA)

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: All functionality of the authoring tool is operable through a keyboard interface without requiring specific timings for individual keystrokes.

Test 0001 Author: Tim Boland, Jan

1. If the platform on which the authoring tool is installed cannot be used with a keyboard (i.e. a mobile device that lacks a built in keyboard and cannot be connected via USB, Bluetooth, etc. to any form of external keyboard), then select FAIL. (Note: If this is due to limitations of the platform, "Partial Conformance due to Platform Limitation" is still possible.)
2. If an external keyboard is required, attach one.
3. Open authoring tool on the selected platform and document (list) all functions of authoring tool (this could be from authoring tool documentation or author experience with the tool).
4. For each function in the list:
   1. Check that the function works correctly with the keyboard. If it does not, then select FAIL.
   2. If the function must be accessed by traversing keyboard focus through the authoring tool user interface, check whether a visible focus indicator is provided for the function's user interface controls. If there is not, then select FAIL.
   3. Check that the system never requires the user to press a key within a time period of less than 20 seconds. If this is ever the case, then select FAIL.
   4. Go to the next function in the list (if any).
5. Select PASS (all functions must have passed)

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.1.5 Customize Keyboard Access: If the authoring tool includes keyboard commands, then those keyboard commands can be customized. (Level AAA)

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: Keyboard commands can be customized.

Test 0001 Author: Tim, Jan

1. If the authoring tool does not include keyboard commands, then select SKIP.
2. For the authoring tool, document all commands invoked via this keyboard interface (from user experience or authoring tool documentation).
3. For each keyboard command:
   1. Search for a way to change the keyboard command such that another keyboard command can accomplish the same action (e.g., some tools have utilities that present all available actions and then allow the author to set which keyboard command activates each). If this is not possible for a command, then select FAIL.
   2. Go to the next keyboard command (if any).
4. Select PASS (all keyboard commands must have passed)

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.1.6 Present Keyboard Commands: If the authoring tool includes keyboard commands, then the authoring tool provides a way for authors to determine the keyboard commands associated with authoring tool user interface components. (Level AAA)

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: Keyboard Commands can be associated with User Interface Components

Test 0001 Author: Tim, Jan

1. If the authoring tool does not include keyboard commands, then select SKIP.
2. For each user interface screen:
   1. Document all keyboard commands that can directly activate user interface components on this screen (from user experience or authoring tool documentation).
   2. For each user interface control that can be activated with a direct keyboard command:
      1. Check whether the command is visually associated with the control, either always or via any kind of keyboard command overlay. If not, then select FAIL.
      2. Go to the next user interface control that can be activated with a direct keyboard command (if any).
   3. Go to the next user interface screen (if any).
3. Select PASS (all authoring tool user interface components must have associated keyboard command(s))

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.2.1 Auto-Save (Minimum): If the authoring tool includes authoring session time limits, then the authoring tool can be set to automatically save web content edits made using the authoring tool before the session time limits are reached. (Level A)

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: All time limits implement auto-save.

1. Examine the user interface of the authoring tools for time limits on authoring sessions(e.g. automatic logout).
2. If the authoring tool does not have any time limits, then select SKIP.
3. For each time limit on an authoring session:
   1. Check to determine if the authoring tool can be configured (or is already configured) to automatically save any edits to web content before that time limit is reached. If not, then select FAIL.
   2. Test the functionality by authoring content and then allowing the time limit to occur. If the web content changes cannot be recovered, then select FAIL.
   3. Go to the next time limit on an authoring session (if any).
4. Select PASS (all time limits must have passed)

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.2.2 Timing Adjustable: If a time limit is set by the authoring tool, then at least one of the following is true: (Level A)

• (a) Turn Off: Authors are allowed to turn off the time limit before encountering it; or
• (b) Adjust: Authors are allowed to adjust the time limit before encountering it over a wide range that is at least ten times the length of the default setting; or
• (c) Extend: Authors are warned before time expires and given at least 20 seconds to extend the time limit with a simple action (e.g., "press the space bar"), and authors are allowed to extend the time limit at least ten times; or
• (d) Real-time Exception: The time limit is a required part of a real-time event (e.g., a collaborative authoring system), and no alternative to the time limit is possible; or
• (e) Essential Exception: The time limit is essential and extending it would invalidate the activity; or
• (f) 20 Hour Exception: The time limit is longer than 20 hours.

Test(s)

Test 0001 Time limits et by authoring tools can be turned off, adjusted, extended, are real-time exceptions, are essential, or exceed 20 hours.

1. Examine the user interface of the authoring tools for time limits (e.g. automatic logout).
2. If the authoring tool does not have any time limits (e.g. an automatic logout), then select SKIP.
3. For each time limit set by the authoring tool:
   1. If the authoring tool time limit is a real-time exception, meaning that the time limit is a required part of a real-time event (e.g., a collaborative authoring system), and no alternative to the time limit is possible, then go to the next time limit.
   2. If the time limit is essential and extending it would invalidate the activity, then go to the next time limit.
   3. If the time limit is longer than 20 hours, then go to the next time limit.
   4. If authors can turn off the time limit before encountering, then go to the next time limit.
   5. If authors are warned before each time limit expires and are given at least 20 seconds to extend the time limit with a simple action (e.g., "press the space bar"), and authors are allowed to extend the time limit at least ten times, then go to the next time limit.
   6. If authors are allowed to adjust the time limit before encountering it, check the configuration parameters to insure that the time adjustment options are over a wide range that is at least ten times the length of the default setting. If this is true, then go to the next time limit.
   7. If the authoring tool has time limits, and none of the above statements are true, then select FAIL.
   8. Go to the next time limit (if any).
4. Select PASS (all time limits must have passed)

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.2.3 Static Input Components: If authoring tool user interface components that accept input can move, then authors can pause the movement. (Level A)

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: If components of the authoring tool user interface can move, the author can pause the movement.

1. If no parts of the authoring tool user interface can move (e.g. animation, video or script), then select SKIP.
2. For each part of the authoring tool user interface that can move:
   1. If there is no way to pause or stop motion (e.g. stop button, pause button), then select FAIL.
   2. Go to the next part of the authoring tool user interface that can move (if any).
3. Select PASS (all moving parts of the user interface must have passed).

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.2.4 Content Edits Saved (Extended): The authoring tool can be set to automatically save web content edits made using the authoring tool. (Level AAA)

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: The authoring tool automatically saves edits or has a configuration option to automatically save edits.

1. Check the preference settings and documentation. If there is an option to automatically save edits, activate that feature.
2. Use a sample test file to load some content into the authoring tool. Make a noticeable, but minor change to the content. If there is a visible indication that the file has been automatically saved, select PASS.
3. Otherwise, wait 5-10 minutes, close the file without manually saving the changes.
4. Reopen the file. If the change you made is displayed correctly, select PASS. If the change was not saved, select FAIL.

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.3.1 Static View Option: If the authoring tool contains editing-views that render visual time-based content, then those editing-views can be paused and can be set to not play automatically. (Level A)

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: If the authoring tool contains editing-views that render visual time-based content, then those editing-views can be paused and can be set to not play automatically

1. If the authoring tool cannot be used to edit time-based content such as video, animation, animated gifs etc., then select SKIP
2. If the authoring tool does not include editing views that render visual time-based content such as video, animation, animated gifs etc., then select SKIP
3. If the renderings are non-editable, such as previews, then select SKIP.
4. Load sample video (audio, animation, animated gifs etc.)
5. If the authoring tool can be set to never play time-based content automatically AND once playing the content can be paused, then PASS.
6. If the editing view is web-based and the browser can be used to prevent auto-play and to pause the playing content then PASS.

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.4.1 Navigate By Structure: If editing-views expose the markup elements in the web content being edited, then the markup elements (e.g., source code, content renderings) are selectable and navigation mechanisms are provided to move the selection focus between elements. (Level AA)

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: Markup elements (e.g., source code, content renderings) are selectable and navigation mechanisms are provided to move the selection focus between elements

1. If the tool is designed such that markup elements are never disclosed to the author, select SKIP
2. Where markup elements are disclosed to the user (e.g. document outline view, source view, etc.), if it is not possible to select a disclosed element without selecting any of the content that surrounds it, then select FAIL.
3. If the only way to move selection from one disclosed element to the other is by clearing the selection and manually selecting the start and end point of the new element in the source, then select FAIL.
4. Otherwise, select PASS.

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.4.2 Navigate by Programmatic Relationships: If editing-views allow editing of programmatic relationships within web content, then mechanisms are provided that support navigation between the related content. (Level AAA) Note: Depending on the web content technology and the nature of the authoring tool, relationships may include, but are not limited to, element nesting, headings, labeling, programmatic definitions, and ID relationships.

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: Mechanisms are provided that support navigation between the related content.

1. If the tool is designed such that programmatic relationships (ID reference, data structure definition, function definition, etc.) are never disclosed to the author, select SKIP
2. If a mechanism exists that allows the user to navigate between pieces of web content (elements, functions, etc.) where there is a programmatic relationship (ID reference, data structure definition, function definition, etc.) then select PASS

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.5.1 Text Search: If the authoring tool provides an editing-view of text-based content, then the editing-view enables text search, such that all of the following are true: (Level AA)

• (a) All Editable Text: Any text content that is editable by the editing-view is searchable (including alternative content); and
• (b) Match: Matching results can be presented to authors and given focus; and
• (c) No Match: Authors are informed when no results are found; and
• (d) Two-way: The search can be made forwards or backwards.

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: All editing-views for enable text search where any text content that is editable by the editing-view is searchable, results can be made visible to authors and given focus, authors are informed when no results are found and search can be made forwards or backwards.

1. If the authoring tool does not allow the editing of text content (e.g. because it is a graphics editor), then select SKIP.
2. For each editing view that enables the editing of text content:
   1. Load the accessible test content file (any level), which contains non-text content with text alternatives, in the editing view.
   2. Choose a word from within the text and then determine whether a search function exists for the editing view that can find the word. In web-based tools, the search function may be part of the user agent. If this is not possible, then select FAIL.
   3. When a match is found, determine, whether the editing view is moved such that the found result is presented to the author. If this is not done, then select FAIL
   4. Determine whether search is possible forwards and backwards. If it is not, then select FAIL
   5. Choose a search term that is not in the content (e.g. a nonsense word) and search for it. If no indication is made of the failure of the search, then select FAIL
   6. If the editing view enables editing of text alternatives for non-text content, choose a search term from within the text alternative. If the term cannot be found, then select FAIL.
   7. Go to the next editing view that enables the editing of text content (if any).
3. Select PASS (all of the editing views must have passed)

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.6.1 Independence of Display: If the authoring tool includes display settings for editing-views, then the authoring tool allows authors to adjust these settings without modifying the web content being edited. (Level A)

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: Authors can adjust display settings without modifying the web content being edited.

Test Author: Tim Boland & Jan Richards

1. Determine (from the user interface or documentation) whether the authoring tool includes settings that affect how the content being edited is perceived by the author. If these settings exist, then document them. If not, then select SKIP.
2. Create/open web content with the authoring tool.
3. Determine a "method for testing how the web content will be experienced by end-users" (this may be as simple as opening the content in a user agent; or it may involve ending the authoring session).
4. For each setting that affects how the content being edited is perceived by the author:
   1. Change the setting to a different value. Try to choose values that are as different as possible from the starting values, since this will make detecting differences easier.
   2. After changing each setting, save the content and then use the "method for testing how the web content will be experienced by end-users". If the end user experience has changed for any of the settings, then select FAIL.
   3. Go to the next setting that affects how the content being edited is perceived by the author (if any).
5. Select PASS(all of the settings must have passed)

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.6.2 Save Settings: If the authoring tool includes display and/or control settings, then these settings can be saved between authoring sessions. (Level AA)

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: Preferences for display or control settings can be saved between authoring sessions.

1. Determine (from the user interface or documentation) whether the authoring tool includes settings that affect how the author tool's user interface or the content being edited is perceived by the author (not the end-user). If these settings do not exist, then select SKIP.
2. For each method of changing display or control settings (e.g. "Edit Preferences" utility):
   1. Does the preference or preference group include a control to allow the settings to be saved? If so, go to the next method of changing display or control settings.
   2. Make a change to a setting, then logout or end the authoring session. Then return back to the content being edited.
   3. If the setting change has persisted, go to the next method of changing display or control settings. If not, then select FAIL.
   4. Go to the next method of changing display or control settings (if any).
3. Select PASS (all of the methods of changing display or control settings must have passed)

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.6.3 Apply Platform Settings: The authoring tool respects changes in platform display and control settings, unless authors select more specific display and control settings using the authoring tool. (Level AA)

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: If the user makes a change to the platform display or control settings, then those changes appear in the authoring tool. If the user makes a change to the platform display or control settings and that change does NOT appear in the authoring tool, then the authoring tool has more specific display and control settings inside the authoring tool.

1. If the platform for the authoring tool does not allow changes to the platform display or control settings, then select SKIP. [This should be rare that a platform does not allow any customization.]
2. Change the platform (e.g. the Windows, Mac OS, or mobile device) accessibility settings(e.g. to high contrast mode or another settings change) from the platform accessibility options. Record the change made.
3. Launch the authoring tool and observe whether the change made in step 2 is present in the display or controls of the authoring tool. If yes, select PASS.
4. If the change made to the display or control settings in step 2 is not visible, then open the preference or settings menu. If the authoring tool allows more advanced customization that allowed by the platform, select PASS.
5. If the authoring tool does not allow more customization of that setting or control that the platform, select FAIL.

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.6.4 Multiple Sets: If the authoring tool includes display and/or control settings, then the authoring tool provides the option of saving and reloading multiple configurations of settings. (Level AAA)

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: The authoring tool has the ability to save, name, and reload multiple configurations of settings.

1. If Test 0001 for A.3.6.2 failed, then select FAIL.
2. Determine (from the user interface or documentation) whether the authoring tool includes settings that affect how the user interface or the content being edited is perceived by the author. If these settings exist, then document them (you may reuse the documentation from A.3.6.2 tests). If not, then select SKIP.
3. For each method of changing display or control settings (e.g. "Edit Preferences" utility):
   1. Does the method of changing display or control settings include functionality to enable saving and reloading various configurations of settings (e.g. the ability to save the current settings with a name)? If not, select FAIL.
   2. Save the current set of display and/or control settings.
   3. Make some changes to the display and/or control settings (preferable a change easy to distinguish) and then save them with a different name.
   4. Attempt to reload the original settings. Check if the settings you changed reverted correctly. If not, select FAIL.
   5. Go to the next method of changing display or control settings (if any).
4. Select PASS (all of the methods of changing display or control settings must have passed)

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.7.1 Preview (Minimum): If a preview is provided, then at least one of the following is true: (Level A)

• (a) In-Market User Agent: The preview renders content using a user agent that is in-market; or
• (b) UAAG (Level A): The preview conforms to the User Agent Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 Level A [UAAG].

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: Previews use either in-market user agents or conform to Level A of the User Agent Accessibility Guidelines 1.0.

Test Author: Greg Pisocky

1. Determine from the user interface, online help, or documentation that the application provides a preview mode. If no preview mode exists, then select SKIP.
2. For each opportunity to perform a preview:
   1. Create or open web content into the editing view.
   2. Invoke the content preview mode.
   3. Note the options for viewing content in the preview mode.
   4. If one of the options for viewing content in preview mode employs an in-market user agent (that can be procured by members of the public (free or otherwise). Usually, an in-market user agent will be a separate software from the authoring tool, however, sometimes a software may combine user agent and authoring tool functionality), then go to the next opportunity to perform a preview. (Note: if this is the case, the user agent need not meet UAAG)
   5. If the available preview mode is not in market, but it meets the User Agent Accessibility Test Procedure (Level A) then go to the opportunity to perform a preview.
   6. If the available preview mode does not meet the User Agent Accessibility Test Procedure (Level A), then select FAIL.
   7. Go to the next opportunity to perform a preview (if any).
3. Then select PASS (all of the preview opportunities must have met the requirement)

Summary

Details

Success Criteria

A.3.7.2 Preview (Enhanced): If a preview is provided, then authors can specify which user agent performs the preview. (Level AAA)

Test(s)

Test 0001 Assertion: Authors can choose from a set of in-market user agents for previews.

Test Author: Greg Pisocky

1. Determine from the user interface, online help, or documentation that the application provides a preview mode. If no preview mode exists, then select SKIP.
2. For each opportunity to perform a preview:
   1. Create or open web content into the editing view.
   2. If the preview option does not allow authors to specify which in-market user agent to use (that can be procured by members of the public (free or otherwise). Usually, an in-market user agent will be a separate software from the authoring tool, however, sometimes a software may combine user agent and authoring tool functionality), then select FAIL.
   3. Go to the next opportunity to perform a preview (if any).
3. Then select PASS (all of the preview opportunities must have met the requirement)

Summary

Details