SVG Accessibility Checklist — WCAG 2.1 Compliance Guide
Follow this SVG accessibility checklist to meet WCAG 2.1 AA requirements — ensure SVG icons and illustrations work for all users.
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SVG Accessibility Requirements
For informative SVG: add `role='img'`, `<title>` with a short description, `aria-labelledby` referencing the title id. For decorative SVG: add `aria-hidden='true'`. For interactive SVG buttons: add `role='button'`, `tabindex='0'`, and keyboard event handlers.
- Informative: role='img' + <title> + aria-labelledby
- Decorative: aria-hidden='true' focusable='false'
- Interactive: role='button' + tabindex='0' + keyboard handlers
Color Contrast and SVG Icons
SVG fill colors must meet WCAG 2.1 contrast requirements: 4.5:1 for text and small icons, 3:1 for large UI components. Don't convey information with color alone — pair color with a shape, label, or pattern.
- Icon fill vs background: minimum 3:1 contrast ratio
- Don't rely solely on color to convey status (add text label)
- Test with WebAIM Contrast Checker or Chrome DevTools
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I test SVG accessibility with a screen reader?
Use NVDA + Firefox or VoiceOver + Safari to navigate to SVG elements. The screen reader should announce the title description for informative SVG and skip aria-hidden SVG entirely.
What WCAG level do I need for SVG icons?
WCAG 2.1 AA (the most commonly required level) applies. Ensure: meaningful SVG has text alternatives (1.1.1), sufficient contrast (1.4.11 for non-text), and keyboard access for interactive SVG (2.1.1).
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