1.4.12 Text Spacing (AA)
Understanding 1.4.12 Text Spacing (AA)
For regular HTML page content, no loss of content or functionality happens with some changes to line height, letter or word spacing.
Why is this a problem?
- People with low vision may require increased space between lines, words, and letters are able to read text.
- People with dyslexia may increase space between lines, words, and letters to increase reading speed.
- White space between blocks of text can help people with cognitive disabilities comprehend sections of a page and call out boxes.
Requirements / What to do?
You can use a browser plug in or directly edit typographic CSS on a page to change the styles so that:
- Line height (line spacing) is at least 1.5 times the font size;
- Spacing following paragraphs is at least 2 times the font size;
- Letter spacing (tracking) to at least 0.12 times the font size;
- Word spacing to at least 0.16 times the font size.
Make sure that all text fits within its containing box without being cut off or without overlapping other boxes.
Common mistakes
- Not allowing or restricting the user from overriding text style.