WAVE

WAVE – Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool

WAVE is a browser-based tool for accessibility testing of websites, developed by WebAIM (Web Accessibility in Mind). It enables visual analysis directly in the context of the page and highlights accessible as well as problematic elements with color coding.

Features

• Automated analysis based on WCAG 2.1 (Level A and AA)
• Colored icons show detected errors, warnings, information, and structural features directly on the website
• Structure view for an overview of heading structure and ARIA roles
• Integrated contrast analysis
• Export capability via the browser extension (for Chrome and Firefox)

Strengths

• Ideal for initial screening and visual understanding of accessibility issues
• Particularly helpful for beginners due to its intuitive display
• Local testing without data transmission to servers

Limitations

• Detects only automatable WCAG criteria (approx. 20-30%)
• Does not detect semantic errors, keyboard traps, or problems with screen readers
• No team or project management

Usage Recommendation

WAVE is particularly suitable for individual tests in the design or development process as well as for training teams regarding commonly occurring barriers. For systematic audits, it should be combined with manual testing and structured tools.

Links

• WAVE Web Version
• WAVE Browser Extension
• WebAIM (Background Information)