Skip to main content

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of guidelines for making digital content more accessible for people with disabilities.

Don't be fooled by the name, these guidelines also apply to apps. Which requirements apply to your specific situation depends on where in the world your app is available.

  • The flag of the European Union The flag of the European Union

    EN 301 549

    EN 301 549 is the European standard which describes requirements which apps must meet in order to be accessible.

    EN 301 549 overview
  • The flag of the United States of AmericaThe flag of the United States of America

    Section 508

    Section 508 requires United States federal agencies to make their apps accessible for everyone.

    Section 508 overview

WCAG structure

Version 2.2 of the WCAG consists of 4 principles, 13 guidelines and 87 success criteria. The success criteria are divided into three levels of conformance.

  1. Level A: sets a minimum level of accessibility. There are 32 criteria to meet. If your app does not conform with level A, it may have serious accessibility issues. This will likely prevent users with disabilities from being able to use it.

  2. Level AA: sets a strong level of accessibility. There are 24 criteria to meet, plus 32 criteria at level A. When your app conforms to level AA, users with disabilities will likely be able to use it.

  3. Level AAA: sets the highest level of accessibility. There are 31 criteria to meet, plus 56 criteria at level A and AA. Note: it's not possible to satisfy level AAA for all content.

We recommend meeting at least level AA, and level AAA where possible.

WCAG 2.2 overview: 4 principles, 13 guidelines and 87 success criteria divided in level A, AA and AAAWCAG 2.2 overview: 4 principles, 13 guidelines and 87 success criteria divided in level A, AA and AAA

WCAG guidance

Looking for an easy way to get started with WCAG? Check out our beginner guides.

The list below contains links to our guides for each principle, guideline and success criterion.

Resources