Automated tools: How to test

Automated tools cannot find every error or guarantee that your content is accessible for all users, but they are a good place to start.

Valid HTML

Valid html code must:

  • have complete start and end tags
  • nest elements correctly
  • use HTML5 elements to their specifications
  • use unique ID attributes on elements
  • not use duplicate attributes on elements

We recommend validating your HTML using one of the following tools:

Axe DevTools

You will need to use the Chrome browser and install the Axe DevTools extension from the Chrome Web Store to be able to do this test.

To run the tests:

  1. Open the page to be checked.
  2. Use the F12 key, or right-click and choose ‘inspect’ to open the DevTools pane.
  3. Select the more options icon (>>).
  4. Select Axe DevTools.
  5. Select ‘scan entire page’.

We’ve published more in-depth guidance on how to test using Axe DevTools.

ARC Toolkit

You will need to use the Chrome browser and install the ARC Toolkit extension from the Chrome Web Store to be able to do this test.

To run the tests:

  1. Open the page to be checked.
  2. Use the F12 key, or right-click and choose ‘inspect’ to open the DevTools pane.
  3. Select the more options icon (>>).
  4. Select ARC Toolkit.
  5. Select ‘run tests’.

We’ve published more in-depth guidance on how to test using ARC Toolkit.

WAVE

If your service is live, you can use the WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool.

If your service is hosted locally, you will need to use the Chrome browser and install the WAVE extension from the Chrome Web Store to be able to do this test.

To run the tests:

  1. Open the page to be checked.
  2. Select the Wave extension icon.

We’ve published more in-depth guidance on how to test using Wave.