W3C

Appendix E. Checklist (for Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines 2.0)

Editors:
Roberto Scano, IWA/HWG
Jan Richards, ATRC, University of Toronto

This Checklist serves as an appendix to the Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines 2.0. It lists all of the guidelines and success criteria from ATAG 2.0 in a checkable list. For many readers, the Checklist provides a quick reference and overview to the information in ATAG 2.0.

This list may be used to review an authoring tool for accessibility. For each guideline, indicate whether the success criteria has been satisfied, has not been satisfied, or is not applicable.

Guidelines and Success Criteria

Under each guideline there are success criteria that describe specifically what must be achieved in order to conform . They are similar to the "checkpoints" in ATAG 1.0. Each success criterion is written as a statement that will be either true or false when a specific authoring tool is tested against it.

All ATAG 2.0 success criteria are written to be testable. While some can be tested by software, others require human testers for part or all of the test.

For more information, see the ATAG 2.0 Conformance section.

Level A Success Criteria

GuidelineSuccess CriteriaYesNoN/A
A.1.1 [For the authoring tool user interface] Ensure that Web-based functionality is accessible. [Techniques]

Note: This guideline does not apply to non-Web-based authoring tool user interfaces.

     
A.1.2 [For the authoring tool user interface] Support interoperability with assistive technologies. [Techniques]

Applicability Note: This guideline does not apply to Web-based authoring tool user interface functionality.

     
A.1.3 [For the authoring tool user interface] Follow the accessibility conventions of the platform. [Techniques]
  • A.1.3.1 Follow and Cite Conventions (user interface "chrome", content display): Platform conventions are followed and the convention sources are cited for all of the following:
    • (a) Input: Keyboard, mouse, etc. including non-interference with keyboard accessibility features of the platform (e.g., StickyKeys, SlowKeys, browser link navigation)
    • (b) Focus
    • (c) Selection, and
    • (d) Product installation.
     
A.2.1 [For the authoring tool user interface] Display text alternatives for non-text objects. [Techniques]
  • A.2.1.1 Editing Non-text Objects (content display): Editing views that render non-text objects contained within the content being edited can display any text alternatives that are identifiable by the authoring tool. It is permissible for the authoring tool to change editing views to display the text alternatives (e.g., from WYSIWYG to instruction level).
  • A.2.1.2 Non-text Objects (user interface "chrome"): Non-text objects in the "chrome" have text alternatives that present equivalent information, except for the situations listed below. [WCAG 2.0]
    • (a) Controls-Input: If a non-text object is a control or accepts user input, then it has a name that describes its purpose. [WCAG 2.0]
    • (b) Sensory: If a non-text object is primarily intended to create a specific sensory experience (e.g., in a tutorial example), then text alternatives at least provide descriptive identification of the non-text object. [WCAG 2.0]
    • (c) Decoration, Formatting, Invisible: If a non-text object provides no information or functionality, or is used only for visual formatting or is not presented to users, then it is implemented such that it can be ignored by assistive technology. [WCAG 2.0]
     
A.2.2 [For the authoring tool user interface] Display synchronized alternatives for synchronized media. [Techniques]      
A.2.3 [For the authoring tool user interface] Ensure that the interface can be presented in different ways. [Techniques]
  • A.2.3.1 Name, Role, Value (user interface "chrome"): For all user interface components in the user interface "chrome", all of the following are true: [WCAG 2.0]
    • (a) the name and role are available via the platform,
    • (b) states, properties, and values that can be set by authors are available via the platform, and
    • (c) notification of changes to these items is available via the platform.
  • A.2.3.2 Info and Relationships (user interface "chrome"): In the user interface "chrome", information, structure, and relationships conveyed through presentation is available via the platform or are available in text. [WCAG 2.0]
  • A.2.3.3 Purpose of Added Presentation (content display): If the authoring tool modifies the presentation of the content being edited, then the functional purpose for the modification is made available via the platform (e.g., if misspelled text is underlined, the fact that it is is misspelled is important).
  • A.2.3.4 Access to Presentation Being Edited (content displays): If an editing view (e.g., WYSIWYG) renders any of the following text presentation properties and those properties are editable by any editing view (e.g., instruction level), then the properties is made available via the platform:
    • (a) font,
    • (b) style (e.g., italic, bold),
    • (c) color, and
    • (d) size.
  • A.2.3.5 Meaningful Sequence (user interface "chrome"): When the sequence in which user interface "chrome" components are presented affect their meaning, a correct reading sequence is available via the platform. [WCAG 2.0]
  • A.2.3.6 Sensory Characteristics (user interface "chrome"): Instructions provided for understanding and operating the user interface "chrome" do not rely solely on sensory characteristics of components such as shape, size, visual location, orientation or sound. [WCAG 2.0]
     
A.2.4 [For the authoring tool user interface] Make it easier to see and hear the interface. [Techniques]
  • A.2.4.1 Independence of Display (content display): Editing views that usually have their display characteristics set by rendering the content being edited (e.g., WYSIWYG editing views) allows the authors' visual and audio display settings to override these characteristics without affecting the content (e.g., markup, stylesheets, etc.) being edited.
  • A.2.4.2 Use of Color (user interface "chrome", content display): Color is not used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element. [WCAG 2.0]
  • A.2.4.3 Audio Control (user interface "chrome", content display): If any audio plays automatically for more than 3 seconds, at least one of the following is true:
    • (a) Pause: authors can pause or stop the audio, or
    • (b) Control: authors can set the audio volume to a different level from the system volume level. [WCAG 2.0]
  • A.2.4.4 Visual Display (user interface "chrome", content display): If a visual display is provided, authors can configure the visual display settings (i.e., fonts, sizes, colors, spacing, positioning, and contrast) by at least one of the following methods:
    • (a) Platform Settings: an option to inherit the platform settings, or
    • (b) Tool Specific Settings: content display settings specific to the authoring tool.
  • A.2.4.5 Audio Display (user interface "chrome", content display): If an audio display is provided, authors can configure the audio display settings (i.e., volume, speech voices, voice speed, and voice emphasis) by at least one of the following methods:
    • (a) Platform Settings: an option to inherit the platform settings, or
    • (b) Tool Specific Settings: content display settings specific to the authoring tool.

Note: While the success criteria for this guideline are based on the capabilities of the platforms (e.g., operating systems, user agents, GUI toolkits) listed in the conformance profile, additional configuration settings may be provided.

     
A.3.1 [For the authoring tool user interface] Ensure that all functionality is available from a keyboard. [Techniques]
  • A.3.1.1 Keyboard (user interface "chrome", content display): Authors can, through keyboard input alone, navigate to and operate all of the functions included in the authoring tool user interface (e.g., navigating, selecting, and editing content within editing views, operating the user interface "chrome", installing and configuring the tool, and accessing documentation), except where the underlying function requires input that depends on the path of the user's movement and not just the endpoints (e.g., freeform drawing). This applies to at least one mechanism per authoring outcome. This means non-keyboard accessible mechanisms can remain available (e.g., providing resizing with mouse-"handles" and with a properties dialog). [WCAG 2.0, UAAG 2.0]
  • A.3.1.2 No Keyboard Trap (user interface "chrome", content display): If focus can be moved to a component with the keyboard, then at least one of the following is true:
    • (a) standard keys: focus can be moved away from the component with the keyboard using standard navigation keys (i.e., unmodified arrow or tab keys), or
    • (b) documented non-standard keys: focus can be moved away from the component with non-standard keys and the author is advised of the method. [WCAG 2.0]
  • A.3.1.3 Available Keystrokes (user interface "chrome", content display): Authors can always determine the currently available keystrokes (e.g., from a central location such as a list in the help system or a distributed location such as associating shortcuts with menu items). [UAAG 2.0]
  • A.3.1.4 Standard Text Area Conventions (content display): Editing views that allow text entry support the standard text area conventions for the platform including, but not necessarily limited to: character keys, backspace/delete, insert, "arrow" key navigation, page up/page down, navigate to start/end, navigate by paragraph, shift-to-select mechanism, etc.
  • A.3.1.5 "Chrome" Navigation (user interface "chrome"): Authors can use the keyboard to traverse forwards/backwards all of the components, including those in floating toolbars, panels, etc. using conventions of the platform (e.g., via "tab", "shift-tab", "ctrl-tab", "ctrl-shift-tab"). [UAAG 2.0]

Note 1: Web-based authoring tool user interface functionality may rely on the keyboard navigation functions of the user agent listed in the conformance profile to satisfy some of these success criteria.

Note 2: This guideline should not discourage the support of other input methods (such as a mouse) in addition to keyboard operation. Also see Guideline A.3.1 when choosing keystrokes.

     
A.3.2 [For the authoring tool user interface] Enable time-independent interaction. [Techniques]      
A.3.3 [For the authoring tool user interface] Help authors to avoid flashing that could cause seizures. [Techniques]      
A.3.4 [For the authoring tool user interface] Provide navigation and editing via content structure. [Techniques]      
A.3.7 [For the authoring tool user interface] Ensure that previews are as accessible as existing user agents. [Techniques]
  • A.3.7.1 Return Mechanism (user interface "chrome"): If a preview is provided, then a mechanism for returning from the preview (i.e., moving focus back from, exiting from) is provided that meets the keyboard accessibility requirement (Guideline A.3.1) and is documented in the help system.
  • A.3.7.2 Preview (user interface "chrome", content display): If a preview is provided, then it meets at least one of the following:
    • (a) Existing User Agent: the preview makes use of an existing user agent that is specified in the conformance profile (e.g., opening the content in a third-party browser or browser component),
    • (b) Part A: the preview meets all of the Level A guidelines in Part A of these guidelines, or
    • (c) UAAG: the preview conforms to a version of the User Agent Accessibility Guidelines [UAAG].

Note: Previews are treated differently than editing views because authors, including those with disabilities, will not be well-served if preview features diverge too much from the actual functionality of available user agents. Therefore, preview features are exempted from necessarily having to meet all of the other requirements in Part A of this guidelines document, if they meet this guideline.

     
A.4.2 [For the authoring tool user interface] Make functionality predictable. [Techniques]      
A.4.3 [For the authoring tool user interface] Help users avoid and correct mistakes. [Techniques]
  • A.4.3.1 Undo Content Changes (content display): Authoring actions are either reversible by an "undo" function or include a warning to authors that the action is irreversible. The authoring tool may have certain committing actions (e.g., "save" function) that reset the undo history.
  • A.4.3.2 Undo Setting Changes (user interface "chrome"): Actions that modify authoring tool settings are either reversible or include a warning to the author that the setting modification is irreversible.
  • A.4.3.3 Error Identification: If an input error is detected, the component that is in error is identified and the error is described to authors in text. [WCAG 2.0]
  • A.4.3.4 Labels or Instructions: Labels or instructions are provided when author input is required. [WCAG 2.0]

Note 1: Web-based authoring tool user interface functionality may rely on the "undo" function of the user agent listed in the conformance profile to perform the undo function for some editing actions that do not involve server communication (e.g., typing in a text area).

Note 2: It is acceptable to collect text entry actions (e.g., typed words, a series of backspaces) into a single reversible authoring action.

     
A.4.4 [For the authoring tool user interface] Document the user interface including all accessibility features. [Techniques]
  • A.4.4.1 Accessible Format (user interface "chrome"): At least one version of the documentation is either:
    • (a) "A" Accessible: Web content and conforms to a minimum level of Web content accessibility (although it is not necessary for the documentation to be delivered on-line), or
    • (b) Accessible Platform Format: not Web content and conforms to a published accessibility benchmark that is identified in the conformance claim (e.g., when platform-specific documentation systems are used).
  • A.4.4.2 Document Accessibility Features (user interface "chrome"): All features (other than documentation) that are specifically required to meet Part A of these guidelines (e.g. keyboard shortcuts, text search, etc.) are documented.
     
B.1.1 Support Web content technologies that enable the creation of content that is accessible. [Techniques]
  • B.1.1.1 Automatic Choice of "A" Technologies: If the authoring tool automatically selects Web content technologies automatically, then the selection is a level "A" benchmarked technology.
  • B.1.1.2 Author Choice of "A" Technologies: If the authoring tool provides authors with technology options, level "A" benchmarked technology options are listed with at least as much prominence as any other options.

Applicability Note: This guideline only applies when benchmarked technologies are available for authoring the particular type of content required (e.g., text, images, synchronized media).

     
B.1.2 Ensure that the authoring tool preserves accessibility information. [Techniques]
  • B.1.2.1 Transformation or Conversion: If the authoring tool performs transformations or conversions, then at least one of the following is true:
    • (a) Preserve in Output: any accessibility information in the pre-transformation/conversion content is preserved and available for end users in the resulting content; or
    • (b) Preserve Input and Notify: a copy of the pre-transformation/conversion content is retained (e.g., as a "comment", by saving a backup copy) and the authors are notified of the location.
     
B.1.3 Ensure that automatically generated content is accessible. [Techniques]

Applicability Note 1: This guidelines does apply to any accessibility problems that informed authorshave specifically allowed (e.g., by setting less strict preferences) (see Guideline B.3.3 for more on informing the author).

Applicability Note 2: This guideline does not apply when authors have caused the accessibility problem(s) (e.g., by ignoring prompts for accessibility information, providing faulty information, etc.).

     
B.2.1 Prompt authors to create accessible content. [Techniques]      
B.2.2 Assist authors in checking for accessibility problems. [Techniques]
  • B.2.2.1 Check "A" Accessibility: An individual check is associated with each level "A" Web content accessibility benchmark.
  • B.2.2.2 Availability: Checking is available to authors prior to the end of the authoring session.
  • B.2.2.3 Identify Range: The appropriate range (e.g., element, group of elements, entire file, etc.) for each potential accessibility problem is identified. Excessively general checks (e.g., "does the page meet all of the requirements?") are not acceptable.
  • B.2.2.4 Help Authors Decide: For any checks that require author judgment to determine whether a potential accessibility problem is correctly identified (i.e., manual checking and semi-automated checking), instructions are provided to help authors to decide.

Note: While automated checking or more advanced implementations of semi-automated checking may improve the authoring experience, these are not required to meet the success criteria for this guideline.

Applicability Note: This guideline does not apply if the authoring tool controls the authoring process to an extent that it is not possible for authors to introduce accessibility problems.

     
B.2.3 Assist authors in repairing accessibility problems. [Techniques]

Note: While automated repairing or more advanced implementations of semi-automated repairing may improve the authoring experience, these are not required to meet the success criteria for this guideline.

Applicability Note: This guideline does not apply if the authoring tool controls the authoring process to an extent that it is not possible for authors to introduce accessibility problems.

     
B.2.4 Assist authors to manage, edit, and reuse equivalent alternatives for non-text objects. [Techniques]

Note: Equivalent alternatives should not be automatically generated from unreliable sources (e.g., file names should not be used as text alternatives).

     
B.2.5 Assist authors with accessible templates and other pre-authored content. [Techniques]
  • B.2.5.1 Templates "A" Accessible: If the authoring tool automatically selects templates or pre-authored content, then the selection meets the level "A" Web content accessibility benchmarks when used.
  • B.2.5.2 Provide Accessible Templates: If the authoring tool provides templates, then there are accessible template options for the full range of template uses.
  • B.2.5.3 Template Selection Mechanism: If authors are provided with a template selection mechanism, then both of the following are true:
    • (a) Indicate: the selection mechanism indicates the accessibility status of templates,
    • (b) Prominence: any accessible template options have prominence that is comparable with that of other options in the selection mechanism.
  • B.2.5.4 New Templates: If authors can use the authoring tool to create new templates for use by a template selection mechanism, they can record the accessibility status of the new templates.
  • B.2.5.5 Templates in Repository: If the authoring tool provides a repository of templates, then each of the templates has a recorded accessibility status.

Note: Templates may be complicated to check for accessibility due to their inherent incompleteness. The accessibility status of templates is instead measured by the accessibility of content created through their proper use.

     
B.3.1. Ensure that accessible authoring actions are given prominence. [Techniques]      
B.3.3. Ensure that features of the authoring tool supporting the production of accessible content are available. [Techniques]
  • B.3.3.1 Active by Default: All accessible content support features are active by default.
  • B.3.3.2 Reactivate Option: If authors deactivate an accessible content support feature, then they can always reactivate the feature.
     
B.3.4. Ensure that features of the authoring tool supporting the production of accessible content are documented. [Techniques]      

Level AA Success Criteria

GuidelineSuccess CriteriaYesNoN/A
A.1.1 [For the authoring tool user interface] Ensure that Web-based functionality is accessible. [Techniques]

Note: This guideline does not apply to non-Web-based authoring tool user interfaces.

     
A.1.2 [For the authoring tool user interface] Support interoperability with assistive technologies. [Techniques]
  • A.1.2.3 Deviation from Proper Use (user interface "chrome", content display): If any non-Web-based authoring user interface functionality deviates from the proper use of the implemented accessibility platform architecture(s) (i.e., lack of use, incomplete use, inappropriate use) as defined by the documentation for the accessibility platform architecture(s), this is documented with the conformance claim.

Applicability Note: This guideline does not apply to Web-based authoring tool user interface functionality.

     
A.1.3 [For the authoring tool user interface] Follow the accessibility conventions of the platform. [Techniques]
  • A.1.3.2 Follow and Cite Conventions (user interface "chrome", content display): Platform conventions are followed and the convention sources are cited for all of the following:
    • (a) User interface design,
    • (b) Keyboard configuration, and
    • (c) Documentation.
     
A.2.2 [For the authoring tool user interface] Display synchronized alternatives for synchronized media. [Techniques]
  • A.2.2.4 Audio Description (user interface "chrome"): If prerecorded video is present in the user interface "chrome", then at least one of the following are true: [WCAG 2.0]
    • (a) Audio Track: all of the information in the video track is provided in the audio track, or
    • (b) Audio Descriptions: audio descriptions are provided.
     
A.2.4 [For the authoring tool user interface] Make it easier to see and hear the interface. [Techniques]
  • A.2.4.6 Visual Configurability (user interface "chrome", content display): If the visual display settings are not inherited from the platform settings, then the authoring tool provides at least comparable configurable properties with at least comparable configuration ranges as the platform provides.
  • A.2.4.7 Audio Configurability (user interface "chrome", content display): If the audio display settings are not inherited from the platform settings, then the authoring tool provides at least comparable configurable properties with at least comparable configuration ranges as the platform provides.

Note: While the success criteria for this guideline are based on the capabilities of the platforms (e.g., operating systems, user agents, GUI toolkits) listed in the conformance profile, additional configuration settings may be provided.

     
A.3.1 [For the authoring tool user interface] Ensure that all functionality is available from a keyboard. [Techniques]
  • A.3.1.6 Accelerator Keys (user interface "chrome"): If the authoring tool includes any of the following functions, authors can enable key-plus-modifier-key (or single-key) access to them:
    • (a) open help system,
    • (b) open new content,
    • (c) open existing content,
    • (d) save content,
    • (e) close content,
    • (f) cut/copy/paste,
    • (g) undo/redo, and
    • (h) open find/replace function.
  • A.3.1.7 Change Accelerator Keys (user interface "chrome"): Authors can modify key-plus-modifier-key (or single-key) combinations.

Note 1: Web-based authoring tool user interface functionality may rely on the keyboard navigation functions of the user agent listed in the conformance profile to satisfy some of these success criteria.

Note 2: This guideline should not discourage the support of other input methods (such as a mouse) in addition to keyboard operation. Also see Guideline A.3.1 when choosing keystrokes.

     
A.3.4 [For the authoring tool user interface] Provide navigation and editing via content structure. [Techniques]
  • A.3.4.2 Navigate By Element Type (content display): If an editing view displays a structured element set, authors can move the editing focus forward/backward to the next identical or closely related (e.g., in the case of headers) element.
  • A.3.4.3 Navigate Tree Structures (content display): If an editing view displays a structured element set, authors can, with a simple action, move the editing focus from any element to other elements in the set with any of the following relationships (if they exist):
    • (a) Parent: the element immediately above,
    • (b) Child: the first element immediately below,
    • (c) Previous Sibling: the element immediately preceding at the same level, and
    • (d) Next Sibling: the element immediately following at the same level.
     
A.3.5 [For the authoring tool user interface] Provide text search. [Techniques]
  • A.3.5.1 Text Search (content display): A text search function is provided that can search any textual information (including text content, text alternatives for non-text objects, metadata, markup) that is editable using the authoring tool. It is permissible for the authoring tool to switch editing views to display the search results (e.g., from WYSIWYG to instruction level in order to display markup).
  • A.3.5.2 Bi-Directional: The search function can search backwards and forwards. [UAAG 2.0]
  • A.3.5.3 Case sensitive: The search function can search in both case sensitive and case insensitive modes. [UAAG 2.0]

Note: Web-based authoring tool user interface functionality may rely on the "find" function of the user agent listed in the conformance profile to help perform the searches.

     
A.3.6 [For the authoring tool user interface] Manage preference settings. [Techniques]      
A.4.2 [For the authoring tool user interface] Make functionality predictable. [Techniques]
  • A.4.2.4 Consistent Navigation (user interface "chrome"): Navigational mechanisms that are repeated in multiple areas of the user interface "chrome" occur in the same relative order each time they are repeated, unless a change is initiated by the authors. [WCAG 2.0]
     
A.4.3 [For the authoring tool user interface] Help users avoid and correct mistakes. [Techniques]
  • A.4.3.5 Redo (user interface "chrome", content display): Authors are able to immediately reverse the most recent undo(s) (i.e., a "redo" function).
  • A.4.3.6 Error Suggestion: If an input error is detected and suggestions for correction are known, then the suggestions are provided to authors, unless it would jeopardize security. [WCAG 2.0]

Note 1: Web-based authoring tool user interface functionality may rely on the "undo" function of the user agent listed in the conformance profile to perform the undo function for some editing actions that do not involve server communication (e.g., typing in a text area).

Note 2: It is acceptable to collect text entry actions (e.g., typed words, a series of backspaces) into a single reversible authoring action.

     
B.1.1 Support Web content technologies that enable the creation of content that is accessible. [Techniques]
  • B.1.1.3 Automatic Choice of "AA" Technologies: If the authoring tool automatically selects Web content technologies automatically, then the selection is a level "AA" benchmarked technology.
  • B.1.1.4 Author Choice of "AA" Technologies: If the authoring tool provides authors with technology options, level "AA" benchmarked technology options are listed with at least as much prominence as any other options.

Applicability Note: This guideline only applies when benchmarked technologies are available for authoring the particular type of content required (e.g., text, images, synchronized media).

     
B.1.2 Ensure that the authoring tool preserves accessibility information. [Techniques]
  • B.1.2.2 Notification Prior to Deletion: If the authoring tool automatically deletes any author-generated content for any reason, then at least one of the following is true:
    • (a) Not Accessibility Information: the authoring tool can detect that the content is not accessibility information; or
    • (b) Notification Option: authors have the option to receive notification before deletion.
     
B.1.3 Ensure that automatically generated content is accessible. [Techniques]

Applicability Note 1: This guidelines does apply to any accessibility problems that informed authorshave specifically allowed (e.g., by setting less strict preferences) (see Guideline B.3.3 for more on informing the author).

Applicability Note 2: This guideline does not apply when authors have caused the accessibility problem(s) (e.g., by ignoring prompts for accessibility information, providing faulty information, etc.).

     
B.2.1 Prompt authors to create accessible content. [Techniques]
  • B.2.1.3 Prompt "AA" Accessible: If authors are prompted for any information as content is being added or updated, then the tool also prominently prompts for accessibility information required for that content to meet the level "AA" Web content accessibility benchmarks.
  • B.2.1.4 Warn "AA" Accessible: If an authoring action or instruction will always lead to the creation of content that cannot be made to meet the level "AA" Web content accessibility benchmarks other than by making an alternative version, then a warning is displayed.
     
B.2.2 Assist authors in checking for accessibility problems. [Techniques]
  • B.2.2.5 Check "AA" Accessibility: An individual check is associated with each level "AA" Web content accessibility benchmark.
  • B.2.2.6 View Status: If the authoring tool records accessibility problems found during checking, then a list of any accessibility problems is available to authors prior to the end of the authoring session.
  • B.2.2.7 Save Status for Repair: If the authoring tool records accessibility problems found during checking, then authors have the option to save the list to facilitate interoperability between checking and repair.
  • B.2.2.8 Metadata for Discovery: If the authoring tool records accessibility status, then authors have the option to associate this status with the content as metadata to facilitate resource discovery by end users.

Note: While automated checking or more advanced implementations of semi-automated checking may improve the authoring experience, these are not required to meet the success criteria for this guideline.

Applicability Note: This guideline does not apply if the authoring tool controls the authoring process to an extent that it is not possible for authors to introduce accessibility problems.

     
B.2.3 Assist authors in repairing accessibility problems. [Techniques]

Note: While automated repairing or more advanced implementations of semi-automated repairing may improve the authoring experience, these are not required to meet the success criteria for this guideline.

Applicability Note: This guideline does not apply if the authoring tool controls the authoring process to an extent that it is not possible for authors to introduce accessibility problems.

     
B.2.4 Assist authors to manage, edit, and reuse equivalent alternatives for non-text objects. [Techniques]
  • B.2.4.3 Acceptable Sources: Authoring tools only supply equivalent alternatives from the following sources:
    • (a) Author-Entered: equivalent alternatives previously entered by authors for the same non-text object (e.g., by the same author, or another author on a collaborative system),
    • (b) From Object Database: equivalent alternatives stored with the non-text object in an object database (or equivalent), or
    • (c) Null when Appropriate: null equivalent alternatives for non-text objects that the authoring tool can detect are only used for visual formatting.

Note: Equivalent alternatives should not be automatically generated from unreliable sources (e.g., file names should not be used as text alternatives).

     
B.2.5 Assist authors with accessible templates and other pre-authored content. [Techniques]
  • B.2.5.6 Templates "AA" Accessible: If the authoring tool automatically selects templates or pre-authored content, then the selection meets the level "AA" Web content accessibility benchmarks when used.
  • B.2.5.7 Pre-Authored Content Selection Mechanism: If authors are provided with a selection mechanism for pre-authored content other than templates (e.g., clip art gallery, widget repository, design themes), then both of the following are true:
    • (a) Indicate: the selection mechanism indicates the accessibility status of the pre-authored content ,
    • (b) Prominence: any accessible options have prominence that is comparable with that of other options in the selection mechanism.
  • B.2.5.8 Pre-Authored Content in Repository: If the authoring tool provides a repository of pre-authored content, then each of the content objects has a recorded accessibility status.

Note: Templates may be complicated to check for accessibility due to their inherent incompleteness. The accessibility status of templates is instead measured by the accessibility of content created through their proper use.

     
B.3.2. Ensure that sequential authoring processes integrate accessible authoring practices. [Techniques]
  • B.3.2.1 Sequencing Features: Function that sequences authoring actions (e.g., image insertion dialogs, templates, wizards) provide any accessibility prompts relevant to the content being edited at or before the first opportunity to successfully complete the function.
  • B.3.2.2 Sequenced Instructions: Instructions (e.g., tutorials, reference manuals, design guides) that consist of a sequence of steps for authors to follow include the relevant accessibility authoring practices in the sequence before the first opportunity to successfully complete the sequence.
     
B.3.3. Ensure that features of the authoring tool supporting the production of accessible content are available. [Techniques]
  • B.3.3.3 Deactivation Warning: If authors deactivate an accessible content support feature, then the authoring tool informs them that this may increase the risk of content accessibility problems.
  • B.3.3.4 At Least as Prominent: Accessible content support features are at least as prominent as any corresponding features related to other types of Web content problems (e.g., invalid markup, syntax errors, spelling and grammar errors).
     
B.3.5. Ensure that any authoring practices demonstrated in documentation are accessible. [Techniques]      

Level AAA Success Criteria

GuidelineSuccess CriteriaYesNoN/A
A.1.1 [For the authoring tool user interface] Ensure that Web-based functionality is accessible. [Techniques]

Applicability Note: This guideline does not apply to non-Web-based authoring tool user interfaces.

     
A.1.2 [For the authoring tool user interface] Support interoperability with assistive technologies. [Techniques]
  • A.1.2.4 Additional Information (user interface "chrome", content display): For non-Web-based authoring user interfaces, additional information is published describing the nature of the implementation of the accessibility platform architecture(s) (e.g., that the long description is different from the associated tool tip).

Applicability Note: This guideline does not apply to Web-based authoring tool user interface functionality.

     
A.2.2 [For the authoring tool user interface] Display synchronized alternatives for synchronized media. [Techniques]      
A.2.3 [For the authoring tool user interface] Ensure that the interface can be presented in different ways. [Techniques]
  • A.2.3.6 Access to Presentation Being Edited (content displays): Any text presentation properties (text size, positioning, etc.) that are rendered in an editing view (e.g., WYSIWYG editing views ) and editable by any editing view are available via the platform.
     
A.2.4 [For the authoring tool user interface] Make it easier to see and hear the interface. [Techniques]
  • A.2.4.8 Low or No Background Audio (user interface "chrome"): Audio that contains speech in the foreground does not contain background sounds, background sounds can be turned off, or background sounds are at least 20 decibels lower than the foreground speech, with the exception of occasional sound effects. Background sound that meets this requirement will be approximately one quarter as loud as the foreground speech . [WCAG 2.0]

Note: While the success criteria for this guideline are based on the capabilities of the platforms (e.g., operating systems, user agents, GUI toolkits) listed in the conformance profile, additional configuration settings may be provided.

     
A.3.1 [For the authoring tool user interface] Ensure that all functionality is available from a keyboard. [Techniques]
  • A.3.1.8 Inter-group Navigation (user interface "chrome", content display): If logical groups of focusable components (e.g., toolbars, dialogs, labeled groups, panels) are present, authors can use the keyboard to navigate to a focusable component in the next and previous groups. [UAAG 2.0]
  • A.3.1.9 Group Navigation (user interface "chrome", content display): If logical groups of focusable components are present, authors can use the keyboard to navigate to the first, last, next and previous focusable component within the current group. [UAAG 2.0]

Note 1: Web-based authoring tool user interface functionality may rely on the keyboard navigation functions of the user agent listed in the conformance profile to satisfy some of these success criteria.

Note 2: This guideline should not discourage the support of other input methods (such as a mouse) in addition to keyboard operation. Also see Guideline A.3.1 when choosing keystrokes.

     
A.3.2 [For the authoring tool user interface] Enable time-independent interaction. [Techniques]
  • A.3.2.4 No Time Limits: The authoring tool does not impose time limits on authoring sessions.
     
A.3.3 [For the authoring tool user interface] Ensure that authors can avoid flashing that could cause seizures. [Techniques]
  • A.3.3.3 Three Flashes (user interface "chrome"): No part of the user interface "chrome" ever flashes more than three times in any one second period. [WCAG 2.0]
     
A.3.6 [For the authoring tool user interface] Manage preference settings. [Techniques]      
A.4.1 Make text content readable and understandable.      
A.4.2 [For the authoring tool user interface] Make functionality predictable. [Techniques]      
A.4.3 [For the authoring tool user interface] Help users avoid and correct mistakes. [Techniques]

Note 1: Web-based authoring tool user interface functionality may rely on the "undo" function of the user agent listed in the conformance profile to perform the undo function for some editing actions that do not involve server communication (e.g., typing in a text area).

Note 2: It is acceptable to collect text entry actions (e.g., typed words, a series of backspaces) into a single reversible authoring action.

     
B.1.1 Support Web content technologies that enable the creation of content that is accessible. [Techniques]
  • B.1.1.5 Automatic Choice of "AAA" Technologies: If the authoring tool automatically selects Web content technologies automatically, then the selection is a level "AAA" benchmarked technology.
  • B.1.1.6 Author Choice of "AAA" Technologies: If the authoring tool provides authors with technology options, level "AAA" benchmarked technology options are listed with at least as much prominence as any other options.

Applicability Note: This guideline only applies when benchmarked technologies are available for authoring the particular type of content required (e.g., text, images, synchronized media).

     
B.1.3 Ensure that automatically generated content is accessible. [Techniques]

Applicability Note 1: This guidelines does apply to any accessibility problems that informed authorshave specifically allowed (e.g., by setting less strict preferences) (see Guideline B.3.3 for more on informing the author).

Applicability Note 2: This guideline does not apply when authors have caused the accessibility problem(s) (e.g., by ignoring prompts for accessibility information, providing faulty information, etc.).

     
B.2.1 Prompt authors to create accessible content. [Techniques]
  • B.2.1.5 Prompt "AAA" Accessible: If authors are prompted for any information as content is being added or updated, then the tool also prominently prompts for accessibility information required for that content to meet the level "AAA" Web content accessibility benchmarks.
  • B.2.1.6 Warn "AAA" Accessible: If an authoring action or instruction will always lead to the creation of content that cannot be made to meet the level "AAA" Web content accessibility benchmarks other than by making an alternative version, then a warning is displayed.
     
B.2.2 Assist authors in checking for accessibility problems. [Techniques]

Note: While automated checking or more advanced implementations of semi-automated checking may improve the authoring experience, these are not required to meet the success criteria for this guideline.

Applicability Note: This guideline does not apply if the authoring tool controls the authoring process to an extent that it is not possible for authors to introduce accessibility problems.

     
B.2.3 Assist authors in repairing accessibility problems. [Techniques]

Note: While automated repairing or more advanced implementations of semi-automated repairing may improve the authoring experience, these are not required to meet the success criteria for this guideline.

Applicability Note: This guideline does not apply if the authoring tool controls the authoring process to an extent that it is not possible for authors to introduce accessibility problems.

     
B.2.4 Assist authors to manage, edit, and reuse equivalent alternatives for non-text objects. [Techniques]
  • B.2.4.4 Save for Reuse: Authors can store, for future reuse, both of the following author-assigned equivalent alternatives (as applicable):

Note: Equivalent alternatives should not be automatically generated from unreliable sources (e.g., file names should not be used as text alternatives).

     
B.2.5 Assist authors with accessible templates and other pre-authored content. [Techniques]

Note: Templates may be complicated to check for accessibility due to their inherent incompleteness. The accessibility status of templates is instead measured by the accessibility of content created through their proper use.

     
B.3.1. Ensure that accessible authoring actions are given prominence. [Techniques]
  • B.3.1.2 Higher Prominence: If authors are provided with a choice of authoring actions to achieve the same mainstream rendered outcome, then actions that implement accessible authoring practices are more prominent than the other action(s).
     
B.3.4. Ensure that features of the authoring tool supporting the production of accessible content are documented. [Techniques]
  • B.3.4.2 Accessible Authoring Tutorial: A tutorial on the accessible authoring process that is specific to the authoring tool is provided.