Text Spacing (1.4.12)
Content must remain readable and functional when users override text spacing properties — line height, paragraph spacing, letter spacing, and word spacing — up to specified thresholds.
WCAG Reference
Applies to: WCAG 2.1, WCAG 2.2 Introduced in: WCAG 2.1 | Level: AA | Read the official specification →
What this rule checks
The scanner tests whether content is clipped, truncated, or overlapping when text spacing is increased to WCAG-specified thresholds: line height 1.5x font size, paragraph spacing 2x font size, letter spacing 0.12x font size, word spacing 0.16x font size.
Why it matters
Users with dyslexia and other reading disabilities use custom text spacing to improve readability. If a page clips or overlaps text when spacing is increased, those users lose access to the content.
Common failure patterns
- fixed-height containers that clip text when line height increases
overflow: hiddenon text containers that truncates content with increased spacing- absolutely positioned labels that overlap adjacent content when letter spacing grows
- tooltip or badge text that overflows its container
Remediation guidance
- avoid fixed heights on text containers; use
min-heightor auto-height - do not use
overflow: hiddenon elements that contain user-facing text - test with a text-spacing bookmarklet that applies the WCAG thresholds
- ensure layouts flex and reflow when text occupies more space
Chat with Us
Ask the Community