ARIA Label Validator

What Are ARIA Labels?

ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels provide accessible names for HTML elements, enabling screen readers to convey the purpose and meaning of interactive controls. When native HTML semantics are insufficient, ARIA attributes bridge the gap between visual presentation and programmatic accessibility.

ARIA Labeling Attributes

• aria-label: Provides a text label directly on the element. Use when no visible text label exists.
• aria-labelledby: References the ID of another element whose text content serves as the label. Takes priority over aria-label.
• aria-describedby: References an element that provides additional description (not the primary name).

What This Tool Checks

• Missing labels: Interactive elements (buttons, inputs, links) without accessible names
• Empty values: ARIA attributes present but with empty or whitespace-only values
• Broken references: aria-labelledby or aria-describedby pointing to non-existent IDs
• Redundant labels: aria-label duplicating existing visible text content
• Role validation: Elements with ARIA roles that require labels

WCAG Guidelines

• WCAG 1.1.1 (Non-text Content): All non-text content must have a text alternative
• WCAG 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships): Structure and relationships must be programmatically determinable
• WCAG 4.1.2 (Name, Role, Value): All UI components must have an accessible name and role
• WCAG 2.4.6 (Headings and Labels): Labels must describe topic or purpose

Accessible Name Priority

Browsers calculate the accessible name following a priority order: aria-labelledby (highest) > aria-label > native label (e.g., <label for>, text content) > title attribute > placeholder (lowest, not recommended as sole label).

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