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Inputs

Input fields collect information from users.

Accessibility

  • Always use a label. Use a hidden label, or a title or aria-label attribute when a visible text label is not needed.
  • Associate form labels with controls.
  • Never replace label with placeholder text.
  • Always specify the correct input type (e.g. date, email, tel, number)
  • Match for and id values that associate the label with its form control. Because id attribute values must be unique on each page, a form control can only have one associated label.
  • Whenever possible use autocomplete to help users (especially users with cognitive disabilities) fill out the form.
  • On required fields, use the required attribute. It will cause screen readers to announce “required” and also triggers the browser to warn the user with a visual tooltip if the user leaves the filed blank. Screen readers also announce the tooltip content with it appears.
  • When performing form validation, apply the aria-invalid="true" attribute to a form control. It will cause the screen reader to announce “invalid” when that control gets the focus.
  • Use aria-labelledby to overcome the 1:1 limitations of label.
  • Use aria-describedby (in addition to a label) to associate descriptive text to the form control.
  • Make sure the form is keyboard accessible: all input fields need to be focusable. The “Tab” sequence needs to be logical and intuitive.
  • Do not rely on JavaScript alone for form submission, validation, and error recovery.
  • Alert the user of any validation errors in an apparent and accessible manner. Provide informative feedback messages.
  • Allow the user to easily access the form controls that need to be modified.
  • Allow resubmission and revalidation of the form information.
Last updated September 17, 2024.