Text Spacing (1.4.12 – Level AA)

Content and function retain meaning when users change elements of text spacing.

Introduction

Users with visual or cognitive impairments may wish to amend the default spacing around text content to make it easier for them to read and understand. When they do so, the content should remain visible in full.

How to Pass ‘Text Spacing’

Content and function remain intact when a user changes:

• Line height to at least 1.5 times the font size;
  
• Paragraph spacing to at least 2 times the font size;
  
• Letter spacing to at least 0.12 times the font size; and
  
• Word spacing to at least 0.16 times the font size.
  

Exceptions

• Video captions

• Image of text
  

‘Text Spacing’ Tips

For the most part, a website written in good HTML and CSS will comply, the key here is not having anything that prevents the user from making the changes to spacing. 

See Also

• 1.4.8 – Visual Presentation
• Understanding Success Criterion 1.4.12 (W3C)