Figure 1: Example of context where text spacing is applied
The space between 2 characters or lines of text helps to make the content readable. Hence, it is very important
for the usability and readability of a webpage.
But sometimes the text styles applied on a webpage are not readable for some user groups such as low vision
users, people with learning impairments and so on. Hence, it becomes necessary to keep the text style of a
webpage relative so that user can resize text or adjust text spacing.
NOTE:
New to accessibility or uncertain of requirements, it will be helpful to review all sections below.
Already familiar with requirements, skip to the “Working Example” section for sample HTML, CSS
and JavaScript (when needed), along with a working demo.
When text spacing is used, there SHOULD NOT be loss or overlap of content and
functionality.
When text spacing is used, the text SHOULD be placed such that:
Line height SHOULD be at least 1.5 times the font size.
Spacing after a paragraph SHOULD be at least 2 times the font size.
Letter spacing SHOULD be at least 0.12 times the font size.
Word spacing SHOULD be at least 0.16 times the font size.
Line breaks SHOULD NOT be implemented using <br> or empty <p>
elements as screen readers will announce them confusing the users. Instead, the line breaks should
be adjusted via CSS.
The text SHOULD NOT be justified.
Define line spacing using CSS styles such as line-height and margin.
The width of spacing SHOULD be less than or equal to 80 characters.
Line spacing SHOULD be at least space and half within paragraphs.
Paragraph spacing SHOULD be at least 1.5 times larger than the line spacing.
A well-defined CSS style for text majorly benefit the below users.
People with cognitive disabilities
People with visual disabilities
People with learning disabilities
<div id="text-spacing-demo">
<h1>Text and Line Spacing</h1>
<h2>WriteToLearn Essentials Live Webinar 3 Hours</h2>
<p>
The 3-hour session will introduce participants to WriteToLearn and the
benefits of using it in the classroom. This session will include how to
navigate the software and how to set up accounts and classes in
WriteToLearn. Participants will learn how to use the essay and summary
writing components to encourage student engagement and to differentiate
their instruction. Price includes up to 30 people per session.
</p>
<p>
Training orders will be processed within 5-7 business days of order
placement. A training consultant will contact you to coordinate your
training. Training dates are scheduled 4-6 weeks from order placement.
</p>
</div>
The 3-hour session will introduce participants to WriteToLearn and the benefits of using it in the classroom.
This
session will include how to navigate the software and how to set up accounts and classes in WriteToLearn.
Participants will learn how to use the essay and summary writing components to encourage student engagement and
to
differentiate their instruction. Price includes up to 30 people per session.
Training orders will be processed within 5-7 business days of order placement. A training consultant will
contact
you to coordinate your training. Training dates are scheduled 4-6 weeks from order placement.
