Web Content Best Practices

For Designated Web Editors

 

This resource is based on complying with WCAG 2.1 Levels A and AA Standards. (This is from Tennessee Board of Regents guidelines.)

Write Clearly

Be clear and concise for readability and simplicity. Do not use all caps. Don’t underline text unless it is a link. Try not to use narrow columns.

Adequate Font Size and Font

The smallest font size that should be used for any content is 12pt, the bigger the better. Fonts to use for accessibility include Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Lucida Sans, Lucida Grande, Calibri, Helvetica, and Futura. Keep in mind to use sans serif fonts when possible. Times New Roman and Century Gothic serif fonts are also readable and therefore are permitted.  

Structure it Appropriately

Use headings in order beginning with Heading 2. There is usually already a Heading 1 being used, however, check with web developer for clarity. Go in order when using headings. For example, start with Heading 2, then go the Heading 3, Heading 4, etc. You can go backwards once established. You can do heading 2, heading 3, then back to heading 2. You cannot do heading 2, heading 4, heading 3. 

Contrast

Download a  color contrast analyzer   and use it to check colors being used. The contrast should at least be 4.5:1 for font sizes 12 – 17 pt and 3:1 for font sizes 18 and larger.

Alternative Text

All Images are required to have alt text. Keep it short and sweet, when possible. Be specific in what you want the screen reader to read about the image. Mark image as decorative only if there is no information being relayed. 

Video and Audio

Make sure to include transcripts and captions in your audio and video files. You can do this on YouTube or if you have access to another program.

Links

When embedding a link, use descriptive language. Do not use the full web address. Also, do not use Click Here as your descriptive language. If you are using QR codes, you also must include the website address with it so the screen reader can read it.

 Attached documents and PDFs

You are responsible for making sure any documents such as flyers, Word documents, PDFs, etc. linked to the webpage are accessible. Use the resources available on the Accessibility Training Resources page to help guide you. This includes: