What Is an Accessible Name? The Name Assistive Technologies Announce
An accessible name is the name assistive technologies use to identify buttons, links, form fields, and interactive controls.
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Key Takeaways
- An accessible name answers: what is this control called?
- Buttons, links, and form fields need clear names.
- Prefer visible text and labels before aria-label or aria-labelledby.
Common sources
Accessible names can come from button text, link text, labels, alt text, aria-label, or aria-labelledby.
For example, a magnifying-glass search button needs a name such as “Search,” not only an icon. If “Search” is visible, retain that text in its name so voice-input users can address the same control.
A name is not automatically a useful name. “More” or “button” still needs review in context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do icon-only buttons need accessible names?
Yes. Otherwise a screen reader user may only hear “button” without knowing its purpose.
Related Pages
- Implement and check accessible names
- Text for images and image links
- Accesserty DevCheck
Run browser-based checks for web accessibility, WCAG, ARIA, keyboard access, focus paths, AI semantic review, and PDF structure signals.