All WCAG criteria
WCAG 1.3.3 · PerceivableLevel A

1.3.3Sensory Characteristics

Instructions must not rely solely on shape, size, visual position, sound, or orientation.

Common failures

Patterns that fail this criterion.

  • 01"Click the red button on the right" (relies on color + position)
  • 02"Press the round icon" (relies on shape)
  • 03"Listen for the beep" (relies on sound)
How to test

Testing approach: manual.

Manual — review on-page copy; confirm instructions use the accessible name (e.g. "Click Submit") not just position/color.

How to fix

Remediation steps.

  1. 1

    Reference by accessible name

    "Click the **Submit** button" not "click the green button below".

  2. 2

    Combine cues

    If you use color, also use text or icon. "Items in red AND marked **Critical**".

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Related criteria

Often appears with…

WCAG 1.4.1 · Level A

Use of Color

All 50 WCAG 2.1 Level A + AA success criteria explained.

View the full checklist