Three Flashes ensures that no content on a website flashes more than three times per second, without any exceptions. It’s a crucial safety measure for users with photosensitivity and makes the web safer and less distracting for everyone.
Who this impacts
- People with epilepsy: Flashing content at higher frequencies can trigger seizures in users with photosensitive epilepsy, making strict controls on flashing essential.
- People with neurological sensitivities: Flashing can also cause discomfort, headaches, or other physical symptoms for people with neurological conditions.
- Everyone: While the risks are highest for people with photosensitivity, eliminating excessive flashing makes content easier to focus on for all users.
How to meet Three Flashes
- Ensure no more than three flashes per second: Make sure that all flashing content stays under three flashes per second to prevent the risk of seizures or other physical reactions.
- Remove or reduce flashing content: Avoid including flashing elements where possible, or adjust them to ensure they stay below the safety threshold.
- Test thoroughly for compliance: Use tools to check any flashing elements in your content to make sure they stay under the flash frequency limit.
Exceptions
Unlike 2.3.1, there are no exceptions under 2.3.2—flashing content must always remain within the three flashes per second limit, no matter the content or context.
Top tips
- Prioritize safety: Avoid flashing content wherever possible, and if you must include it, keep the frequency below the three flashes per second threshold.
- Test thoroughly: Regularly test your site’s dynamic content to make sure no flashing exceeds the safe threshold.
- Don’t use flashing content: Ask yourself if you really need that flashing content.