Overview
Accessibility tools can help identify issues, improve content quality, and support accessibility reviews. They are valuable resources for content creators, website editors and site owners, communications and marketing staff, project teams, and technology owners and system administrators.
However, no tool can determine whether content is fully accessible. Automated tools are most effective when combined with human review, testing, and accessibility knowledge.
This page provides an overview of common accessibility tools and how they can support your work.
Start With Built-In Accessibility Checkers
Many applications include accessibility features and checkers that can help identify common issues before content is published.
Examples include:
Built-in tools can help identify issues such as:
- Missing alternative text
- Improper heading structure
- Insufficient document metadata
- Table accessibility concerns
- Reading order issues
These tools should be used as part of the normal content creation process whenever possible.
Website Accessibility Tools
Website accessibility tools can help identify accessibility issues on web pages and websites.
Examples include:
These tools can help identify:
- Missing alternative text
- Color contrast issues
- Form labeling problems
- Heading structure issues
- Accessibility code errors
Automated testing can identify many common issues, but manual review is still required.
Color Contrast Tools
Color contrast tools help evaluate whether foreground and background colors meet accessibility requirements.
Common examples include:
These tools can be useful when creating:
- Websites
- Documents
- Presentations
- Social media graphics
- Charts and infographics
Color contrast tools can help verify compliance with WCAG color contrast requirements and support more accessible visual design decisions.
For additional guidance, review Color & Visual Design.
Document Accessibility Tools
Document accessibility tools can help review and improve the accessibility of:
- Word documents
- PDFs
- PowerPoint presentations
- Excel spreadsheets
Common uses include:
- Reviewing document structure
- Identifying missing alternative text
- Evaluating reading order
- Checking document metadata
- Verifying PDF tags
Document accessibility should begin in the source document whenever possible.
For additional guidance, review Documents & PDFs.
Screen Readers
Screen readers convert digital content into synthesized speech or braille output.
Screen reader testing can help content creators better understand how users with visual disabilities experience digital content.
Common screen readers include:
Even limited screen reader testing can reveal issues that automated tools may not detect.
Keyboard Testing
Many users navigate digital content using a keyboard rather than a mouse.
Basic keyboard testing can help identify issues related to:
- Navigation
- Focus order
- Interactive controls
- Forms
- Menus and dialogs
A simple keyboard review is often one of the most effective accessibility checks available.
Captioning and Transcript Tools
Video and audio content often require captions and transcripts.
Tools may assist with:
- Caption generation
- Caption editing
- Transcript creation
- Media review workflows
Automatically generated captions should always be reviewed for accuracy before publication.
For additional guidance, review Video & Multimedia.
Accessibility Evaluation Is More Than Automation
Accessibility tools are valuable, but they have limitations.
Automated tools generally cannot determine:
- Whether alternative text is meaningful
- Whether content is understandable
- Whether instructions are clear
- Whether user interactions make sense
- Whether accessibility barriers affect real users
Accessibility requires both technical review and human judgment.
Choosing the Right Tool
Different tools are useful for different types of content.
| Content Type | Helpful Tools |
|---|---|
| Websites | Siteimprove, WAVE, axe DevTools |
| Images & Graphics | Color contrast analyzers, alt text review, and manual review |
| Documents & PDFs | Microsoft Accessibility Checker, Adobe Acrobat |
| Video & Multimedia | Captioning and transcript tools |
| Presentations | PowerPoint Accessibility Checker |
| Excel Files | Excel Accessibility Checker |
| Outlook Accessibility Checker |
The most effective approach is to combine multiple tools with accessibility knowledge and review processes.
Build Accessibility Into Your Workflow
Accessibility tools are most effective when used throughout the content lifecycle:
- During content creation
- Before publication
- During periodic review
- Following content updates
- As part of quality assurance processes
Using tools regularly helps identify issues early when they are typically easier to address.
Accessibility Tools Support Better Outcomes
Accessibility tools can help improve quality, reduce barriers, and support accessibility efforts across UC ANR.
While tools are valuable resources, they are only one part of creating accessible digital content. Combining tools, training, accessibility knowledge, and thoughtful review processes produces the best results.