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Success Criterion · WCAG 1.3.3

Sensory Characteristics

Instructions provided for understanding and operating content do not rely solely on sensory characteristics of components such as shape, color, size, visual location, orientation, or sound.

Level AWCAG 2.0Perceivable1.3 · Adaptable
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Success criterion

What WCAG 1.3.3 requires

Summarized directly from the official Understanding document so teams can quote the requirement accurately.

All non-text content that is presented to users must expose an equivalent text-based alternative unless a documented exception applies.

View Understanding 1.3.3Open QuickRef techniques

Fast facts

Conformance level
Level A
WCAG version introduced
WCAG 2.0
Principle
Perceivable
Guideline
1.3 · Adaptable

Implementation checklist

Capture progress and blockers

  • Document how this criterion impacts your product and note any exceptions.
  • Describe the user experience goal in plain language for designers and engineers.
  • List the components, templates, or workflows that must meet this requirement.
  • Capture manual and automated testing steps for future audits.

Testing ideas

Prove conformance with evidence

  • Pair automated linting with human review to verify visual, auditory, or temporal aspects.
  • Use assistive technology walkthroughs (screen reader, keyboard, switch, voice) to validate behavior.
  • Capture screenshots or recordings that demonstrate pass/fail conditions.

Related success criteria

More from Adaptable (1.3)

View all criteria
WCAG 1.3.1Info and RelationshipsLevel AWCAG 1.3.2Meaningful SequenceLevel AWCAG 1.3.4OrientationLevel AAWCAG 1.3.5Identify Input PurposeLevel AAWCAG 1.3.6Identify PurposeLevel AAA
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