Techniques for WCAG 2.0

On this page:

-

# G117: Using text to convey information that is conveyed by variations in presentation of text

## Applicability

Technologies that support variations in the visual presentation of text.

This technique relates to:

- Success Criterion 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships)
  - How to Meet 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships)
  - Understanding Success Criterion 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships)

## Description

The objective of this technique is to ensure that information conveyed through variations in the formatting of text is conveyed in text as well. When the visual appearance of text is varied to convey information, state the information explicitly in the text. Variations in the visual appearance can be made by changes in font face, font size, underline, strike through and various other text attributes. When these types of variations convey information, that information needs to be available elsewhere in the content via text. Including additional sections in the document or an inline description where the variation in presentation of text occurs can be used to convey the information.

## Examples

### Example 1: An on-line test requires students to write a short summary of a longer document.

When a sentence in the original document contains a word or phrase that must be used in the summary, the word or phrase is shown in a different font than the rest of the sentence. A separate section also lists all the words and phrases that must be used in the summary.

### Example 2: Font variations and explicit statements.

An on-line document has gone through multiple drafts. Insertions are underlined and deletions are struck through. At the end of the draft a "change history" lists all changes made to each draft.

## Resources

No resources available for this technique.

## Related Techniques

- H49: Using semantic markup to mark emphasized or special text
- C22: Using CSS to control visual presentation of text

## Tests

### Procedure

1. Find items where variations in presentation of text are used to convey information.

2. For those items, check to determine if information conveyed visually is also stated explicitly in text.

### Expected Results

- Check #2 is true.

- Top
- Contents
- Intro
- Previous: Technique G115
- Next: Technique G120