Question 1

Why do form inputs need labels?

Accepted Answer

Labels are essential for form accessibility because:
      
        Screen readers: Read label text to identify form fields
        Clickable area: Clicking label focuses the associated input
        Context: Provides clear purpose for each field
        Voice control: Users can say the label text to interact
        WCAG requirement: Required by 3.3.2 (Labels or Instructions)
      
      Without labels: Screen reader users hear only "edit text" or "checkbox" without knowing the purpose.

Question 2

Can I use placeholder as a label?

Accepted Answer

No! Placeholders are NOT a substitute for labels. Here's why: Disappears: Placeholder vanishes when user types, losing context Low contrast: Usually gray text that's hard to read Memory: Users can't review what the field is for while typing Screen readers: May not announce placeholders consistently Cognitive load: Forces users to remember field purpose Correct approach: Email Address We'll never share your email Use placeholder for examples or hints, always with a proper label.

Question 3

How do I label form inputs correctly?

Accepted Answer

There are several ways to label form inputs accessibly: Method 1: for/id association (Preferred) Username Method 2: Wrapping label Username Method 3: aria-label Method 4: aria-labelledby

Username

Best practice: Use Method 1 (for/id) when possible - it provides the best compatibility and user experience.

Question 4

What autocomplete values should I use?

Accepted Answer

Autocomplete attributes help users fill forms faster and improve accessibility. Common values:
      
        name: Full name
        given-name: First name
        family-name: Last name
        email: Email address
        tel: Phone number
        street-address: Street address
        address-level2: City
        address-level1: State/Province
        postal-code: ZIP/Postal code
        country: Country
        cc-number: Credit card number
        cc-exp: Credit card expiration
        username: Username
        new-password: New password field
        current-password: Login password
      
      See the HTML Specification for the complete list.

Question 5

How do I make error messages accessible?

Accepted Answer

Accessible error messages require several techniques: Use aria-invalid: Set to "true" when field has error Use aria-describedby: Associate error message with field Email is required Visual indicators: Use color AND icons/text (not color alone) Live regions: Announce errors with aria-live for dynamic validation Focus management: Move focus to first error on submit Clear messages: Be specific about what's wrong and how to fix Complete example: Email * Please enter a valid email address

Question 6

How do I group related form fields?

Accepted Answer

Use

and to group related form controls: Example for radio buttons:

Shipping Method Standard (5-7 days) Express (2-3 days)

Example for address fields:

Billing Address

Benefits: Screen readers announce the legend with each field Provides context for grouped fields Required for radio button groups (WCAG 1.3.1) Improves form comprehension

Form Accessibility Checker – Test Form Labels & ARIA

Form Accessibility Checker

Form Accessibility

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Complete Form Accessibility Testing

Comprehensive Form Analysis

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Form Accessibility Checker

Form Accessibility

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Common Mistakes