Creating Meaningful Label Text

This section provides general guidelines for creating label text, but this information is not meant to be a complete discussion about text. You should consult other resources, as well.

Follow these general guidelines when you create label text to assign to user interface elements:

• Use descriptive text that explains the specific function or purpose of the user interface element.

  For example, do not create a link labeled “Click here.” Use a descriptive label, such as “Return to Previous Page.”

• Use unique labels for all images and controls on a page.

  Many screen readers generate lists of the various controls (such as buttons and links) on a page to make it easier for users to navigate without having to tab through the entire page. If two buttons on a page have the same name, users may not be able to determine which one they need from the list that is generated by the screen reader.

  For example, if you create a page to send an email, do not include a “Find” link for the To field and another “Find” link for the CC field. In a screen reader, the list of links displays two “Find” links but no additional information to differentiate between them.

  Note:

  Within grids, the same fields, buttons, and links appear in every row. However, these are not considered duplicates because screen readers typically read the row number with each label (for example, “row 1 Details link,” “row 2 Details link,” and so on).

• Avoid using abbreviations in labels.

  Screen readers read abbreviations differently. For example, some read Nbr as a word and others read it as individual letters, either of which could confuse users.

• Avoid using punctuation and symbols in labels.

  Screen readers interpret symbols differently. For example, some read # as number and some read it as pound.

• Do not modify formatting styles to add color, bold, or italicized text to labels because screen readers do not recognize formatting changes.

• Do not use device-dependent language such as “Click” in link text.

  Not all users use a mouse, so the word click can be misleading.