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Screen Reader Preview - Test HTML Accessibility

Screen Reader Preview

See how screen readers interpret your HTML by converting it to the linear text order that assistive technologies read aloud.

What is Screen Reader Preview?

Screen readers are assistive technologies that read web content aloud for people who are blind or have low vision. They convert visual HTML structure into linear text, announcing elements like headings, links, and form inputs in the order they appear in the DOM.

How to Use This Tool:

  1. Paste HTML: Enter the HTML code you want to test
  2. Generate Preview: Click "Preview Screen Reader Output" to see the linear text version
  3. Review Output: Read through the text to understand what screen reader users hear
  4. Identify Issues: Look for missing labels, unclear navigation, or incorrect reading order
  5. Improve Your HTML: Update your code to provide better screen reader experience

What This Tool Shows:

  • Headings: Announced with their level (h1, h2, h3, etc.)
  • Links: Shows link text and destination URL
  • Images: Displays alt text or warns about missing alt text
  • Form Inputs: Shows input type and associated labels
  • Buttons: Identifies interactive elements
  • Reading Order: The linear sequence screen readers follow

Example Input & Output:

Input HTML:
<header>
  <h1>Welcome to Our Site</h1>
  <nav>
    <a href="/">Home</a>
    <a href="/about">About</a>
  </nav>
</header>
<main>
  <img src="logo.png" alt="Company logo">
  <p>Find what you need:</p>
  <label>Search: <input type="text" placeholder="Enter keywords"></label>
  <button>Search</button>
</main>
Screen Reader Output:
[Heading level 1: Welcome to Our Site]
[Link to / Home]
[Link to /about About]
[Image: Company logo]
Find what you need:
[Label: Search: [Input text: Enter keywords]]
[Button: Search]

Common Issues to Look For:

❌ Missing Alt Text:
[Image with no alt text] - Screen readers can't describe the image
❌ Unlabeled Forms:
[Input text] without context - Users don't know what to enter
❌ Generic Link Text:
[Link: Click here] - Not descriptive when read out of context
❌ Missing Headings:
No heading structure makes navigation difficult for screen reader users
✓ Good Alt Text:
[Image: Company logo featuring a blue mountain] - Descriptive and helpful
✓ Labeled Forms:
[Label: Email address [Input text]] - Clear purpose
✓ Descriptive Links:
[Link to /contact: Contact our support team] - Clear destination and purpose

Best Practices for Screen Reader Accessibility:

1. Use Semantic HTML

Use proper HTML elements like <nav>, <main>, <article>, and <header> instead of generic <div> elements.

2. Provide Alt Text for Images

Every <img> needs an alt attribute. Use alt="" for decorative images.

3. Label Form Inputs

Associate <label> elements with inputs using for attribute or nesting.

4. Use Heading Hierarchy

Structure content with <h1> through <h6> in logical order. Don't skip levels.

5. Write Descriptive Link Text

Avoid "click here" or "read more". Use descriptive text like "View our pricing plans".

6. Add ARIA Labels When Needed

Use aria-label or aria-labelledby for elements that need additional context.

Testing with Real Screen Readers:

While this tool provides a preview, always test with actual screen readers:

  • NVDA (Windows): Free and open-source screen reader
  • JAWS (Windows): Professional screen reader with free demo
  • VoiceOver (Mac/iOS): Built-in screen reader for Apple devices
  • TalkBack (Android): Built-in screen reader for Android
  • Narrator (Windows): Built-in Windows screen reader

Limitations of This Tool:

  • Simplified representation of screen reader behavior
  • Doesn't include all ARIA attributes and live regions
  • Doesn't simulate different screen reader verbosity settings
  • Real screen readers offer navigation shortcuts this tool doesn't show

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