Accessibility Insights
Microsoft's accessibility testing tool for web and Windows apps.
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Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Accessibility Insights?
Accessibility Insights is an open-source tool designed to help developers identify and resolve accessibility issues in web and Windows applications. Developed by Microsoft, it provides automated testing capabilities to ensure digital products meet accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1 AA. The tool is primarily used by web developers, QA engineers, and accessibility specialists who need to ensure their applications are usable by people with disabilities. It addresses common problems such as insufficient color contrast, missing alt text for images, and improper keyboard navigation, which can prevent users with visual, motor, or cognitive impairments from accessing digital content effectively. The tool operates through browser extensions for Chrome and Microsoft Edge, as well as a standalone Windows application. It integrates with existing accessibility testing frameworks and provides real-time feedback during development. By catching issues early in the development cycle, Accessibility Insights helps teams ship more accessible products without requiring extensive rework later. Its community-driven approach and open-source nature allow for continuous improvement and customization, making it a valuable resource for developers looking to enhance the inclusivity of their digital products.
How it works
Accessibility Insights is built using JavaScript and TypeScript, with dependencies on libraries like React and Redux for the user interface. It supports Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers for web testing and integrates with Windows Accessibility features for desktop applications. The tool uses the browser's accessibility APIs to analyze web content and the UI Automation framework for Windows applications. Data flows through a centralized analysis engine that processes accessibility information and generates reports. Privacy considerations include handling user data securely and providing options for anonymized testing.
How to use it
- 1Install the browser extension for Chrome or Microsoft Edge. 2. Open the target web application in the browser. 3. Use the extension's interface to initiate an accessibility scan. 4. Review the results, which include visual indicators and detailed error messages. 5. Use the Visual Helper to identify and fix issues. 6. For Windows applications, launch the desktop tool and follow similar steps to test the application's accessibility. Practical tips include regularly scanning web pages during development to catch issues early. Developers should also use the FastPass feature to quickly identify common accessibility problems. For Windows applications, integrating the tool into the development workflow ensures consistent testing. Additionally, using the Color Contrast Analyzer helps address color contrast issues that may not be visible during initial testing.
What it can do
- accessibility testing
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/microsoft/accessibility-insights-web
- license: MIT — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Self-hosted — requires setup, maintenance, and your own infrastructure.
- Relies on an external source (github.com); availability depends on that service.
- Focused on the accessibility tools category: Microsoft's accessibility testing tool for web and Windows apps..
Understanding the result
Microsoft's accessibility testing tool for web and Windows apps.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (MIT).
- Built with
- (microsoft/accessibility-insights-web)
- License
- MIT
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with microsoft/accessibility-insights-web. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- MIT
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- MIT License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
How does Accessibility Insights handle color contrast analysis?
Accessibility Insights integrates the Color Contrast Analyzer to evaluate the contrast ratio between text and background colors. This tool calculates the contrast ratio based on the WCAG 2.1 AA standards. When testing a web page, the tool identifies elements with insufficient contrast and highlights them visually. For Windows applications, it uses the same principles to analyze color contrast in UI elements, providing detailed reports on any non-compliant areas.
What technologies does Accessibility Insights use for web testing?
For web testing, Accessibility Insights utilizes the browser's accessibility APIs, such as the DOM and accessibility tree, to analyze web content. It also integrates with existing accessibility testing frameworks and tools, including the Windows Accessibility Inspector and Color Contrast Analyzer. The tool's browser extension is built using modern web technologies and runs within the browser environment, allowing for real-time feedback during development.
How do I use the FastPass feature in Accessibility Insights?
To use FastPass, open the Accessibility Insights browser extension and navigate to the target web page. Click on the FastPass button to initiate a quick scan. The tool will analyze the page for common accessibility issues and display the results in a clear, visual format. Developers can then use the provided guidance to address each issue efficiently, typically resolving most common problems in under five minutes.
How does Accessibility Insights compare to other accessibility testing tools?
Accessibility Insights is comparable to tools like axe and WAVE, but it offers a more integrated approach by combining web and Windows testing capabilities. Unlike some tools that focus solely on web applications, Accessibility Insights provides a unified interface for testing both platforms. It also includes features like Visual Helper and FastPass that streamline the testing process, making it particularly useful for developers working on cross-platform applications.
What should I do if I encounter an error while using Accessibility Insights?
If you encounter an error, first check that the browser extension is properly installed and that all necessary permissions are granted. For Windows applications, ensure that the tool is correctly configured and that the application being tested is compatible with the testing framework. If the issue persists, consult the tool's documentation or reach out to the community for support. Providing detailed error logs can also help in diagnosing and resolving the problem.