Free tools
The best free accessibility checker
Our free toolbar tests any web page for over 200 accessibility issues. Get straightforward, step-by-step guidance on how to improve your web accessibility.
Featured | 4.6 
(40 ratings) | 50k users
Works on drafts
Staging, intranet, a preview in WordPress. Anything you can load in the browser.
Written for people who don’t
live in WCAG
Each issue comes with a short explanation. You shouldn’t need a specialist sitting next to you.
Transcript
Voice over:
Introducing Silktide’s browser extension. Your new best friend for web accessibility.
Visual:
A generic website homepage. The Silktide browser extension is activated. Lots of accessibility issues are suddenly highlighted on the webpage itself. The user's mouse cursor clicks on the Accessibility Checker in the extension, which triggers a transition to the next scene.
Voice over:
Our accessibility checker runs over 200 checks, highlighting issues and providing easy to understand explanations. You might be surprised what we can uncover.
Visual:
Hundreds of names of different accessibility checks scroll past. We settle on one called "No form label" which is a WCAG single-A requirement. We then see the part of the website where this check applies: a newsletter sign up form, which is highlighted as having no form labels for the input fields.
The Silktide extension sits at the side of the webpage. It has text explaining that form labels are important for screen readers, and there's some expandable text for how to meet the WCAG requirement. There's also a list of each form field on the page which is problematic.
Voice over:
But that's not all.
Ever wonder how other people experience your website? Silktide’s got you covered with simulations.
Visual:
The simulations for Cataracts and Myopia, Dyslexia, and Color blindness are demonstrated on the generic website, making the website blurry, the text jumbled, and the colors change.
Voice over:
And check out our screen reader simulator. Ensure your content speaks loud and clear to everyone.
Visual:
A high-contrast focus state highlights the interactive elements on the webpage, as sound waves emit from a microphone icon, indicating speech.
Voice over:
Elevate your website's accessibility with Silktide’s free browser extension.
Visual:
Text on screen says "Available now on the Chrome web store"
Problems show up on the page
The checker runs 200+ WCAG tests. Click a result and the toolbar points at it: missing names, vague links, contrast, the language of the page, and so on.
Keyboard order, drawn on
Some people never use a mouse. Trace the tab path from control to control so you can see if it moves the way it should.
The heading list
Every H1 and H2 in a panel. Easy way to catch a missing title, a level that jumps, or two H1s on the same page.
A simple screen reader
Previous, Next, Select, Escape. Built for someone who has never used a screen reader and wants to know how the page sounds. For proper testing later, use NVDA, VoiceOver, or TalkBack.
The other tools in the menu
A color picker that scores contrast. An alt-text list you can filter (missing, decorative, described). Landmarks. Simulations for color blindness, low vision and dyslexia.
Silktide customers can sign in
When logged in, the toolbar also runs your content, SEO, and UX checks, plus any custom policies and decisions already in your account.
Download the best free web accessibility toolbar
Featured | 4.6 (40 ratings) | 50k users
Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask about the free accessibility checker.
What is an accessibility checker?
An accessibility checker is a tool that evaluates web content against accessibility standards to ensure it can be used by people with disabilities. This is crucial for compliance with legal standards and for creating an inclusive web experience.
Accessibility checkers generally fall into two categories; free accessibility checkers which test a single page at a time (like the Silktide accessibility checker), and paid platforms which comprehensively and automatically test every page on your website (like Silktide’s automated accessibility testing platform).
Does the extension work on Chrome and Edge?
Yes. You can install Chrome extensions on the Edge browser. Read this article on the Microsoft support site for instructions on installing Chrome store extensions on Edge.
How does the Silktide accessibility checker work?
Silktide’s accessibility checker scans the page currently loaded in your browser, identifying issues that may hinder accessibility by comparing your site’s elements against recognized standards like WCAG. It provides a detailed report with specific problems and actionable recommendations for improvement.
To get started, simply install the extension, open a web page (this can include a staging or unpublished page) and click the Silktide logo in the extensions area at the top of Chrome.
Next, click Accessibility Checker in the left menu to test the page. You’ll see the results in the left menu, and you can click on any of them to find out where on the page the issue is, and get guidance for fixing it.
You’ll see a range of other tools available in the same menu.
What’s included in the accessibility checker Chrome extension?
There are 4 main tools in the extension.
A comprehensive WCAG checker; test your site for accessibility problems.
A disability simulator; helps you understand how people may experience the web in a range of ways.
A free screen reader; useful for testing how assistive technology interacts with your web page.
A color contrast checker; choose two contrasting colors on your website and check against recommended WCAG guidelines.
Is the Silktide accessibility checker free?
Yes, the Silktide accessibility checker is a free tool available as a Chrome extension. It provides a comprehensive analysis of web accessibility issues at no cost. For deeper insights and continuous monitoring, Silktide offers premium plans with additional features.
Can the Silktide accessibility checker help with WCAG compliance?
Yes! The checker is designed to assess and report on how well your website conforms to various levels of the WCAG guidelines, helping you understand and meet compliance requirements.
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Can the Silktide accessibility checker help with ADA compliance?
Yes. The ADA is based on WCAG standards, so by using the Silktide Toolbar, you can align your website with both WCAG and ADA compliance requirements.
Can the Silktide accessibility checker help with European Accessibility Act compliance?
Yes. The European Accessibility Act is based on WCAG standards, so by using the Silktide Toolbar, you can align your website with both WCAG and ADA compliance requirements. Find out more about the European Accessibility Act.
How often should I use an accessibility checker on my website?
Regular checks are recommended, especially after updates to content or design. Content should be checked whenever it’s changed, across every page of your website. Silktide’s automated accessibility testing can help you manage web accessibility at scale, monitoring thousands, or hundreds of thousands, of web pages.
Does the Silktide checker provide solutions for identified accessibility problems?
Yes, Silktide’s accessibility checker identifies issues and suggests practical solutions to fix them, helping website owners and developers make necessary adjustments to improve accessibility.
Is the Silktide accessibility checker suitable for all types of websites?
The Silktide accessibility checker is versatile and can evaluate various websites, from simple blogs to complex eCommerce platforms, across various content management systems and web technologies. It’s suitable for every website owner.
What makes Silktide’s accessibility checker different from others?
Our free WCAG checker stands out due to its user-friendly interface, comprehensive error explanations, and actionable solutions, making web accessibility achievable for both novices and experts.
Often, accessibility checkers are developer-focused, filled with jargon, and fairly ugly. So we decided to make ours different. We focused on creating a better user experience aimed at everyone, regardless of their accessibility knowledge.
How can I ensure my website stays compliant over time?
Use the WCAG checker regularly to monitor your website and implement the recommended changes. Keeping up with the latest accessibility guidelines and incorporating them into your site’s design and content is also key.
For a more comprehensive solution, consider the full Silktide automated accessibility testing platform, which automates testing over thousands of web pages.
Combining automated testing with manual auditing will also give you full coverage. Find out more about Silktide’s full range of accessibility services.
What should I do if I’m unsure how to fix an issue reported by the checker?
Silktide provides comprehensive help guides for every issue it finds. If you’re still unsure, consider reaching out to a web accessibility consultant or look into Silktide’s support options.
We also have a range of free resources available, from downloadable accessibility books to comprehensive training videos on YouTube.
Why would I use the Silktide screen reader simulator when NVDA, VoiceOver, and Talkback are free?
We made the screen reader simulator because a lot of people have never used assistive technology and the main screen readers have a learning curve attached to them. This is just a way to introduce people gently to the options available.
Our screen reader simulator is not designed as a replacement or a competitor to those excellent free tools. We would always recommend taking the time to learn comprehensive screen readers like NVDA, Voiceover (built into iOS and macOS), and Talkback (built into Android devices) for serious accessibility testing of your website.
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