- Success Criterion 3.3.2
- Conformance level A
3.3.2 · Labels or Instructions
Lesson overview · Labels or Instructions
In plain language
Every field needs a visible label, and any required format/rules must be stated up front.
Who it affects
Everyone filling forms, especially people with cognitive disabilities and magnifier users.
How to check
Scan each form: every field has a permanent visible label (not just placeholder), required fields are marked, formats are explained before you type.
Common misconception
Placeholder text that vanishes the moment someone starts typing is not a label. If it's the only identification a field has, the field effectively becomes unlabeled once in use.
Learn more
Scenarios in this lesson
- Multi-Part Field Like a Phone Number With No Text Label
- Icon-Only Search Field With No Accessible Label
- Placeholder Text Used as the Only Label, Vanishing on Input
- Required Input Format Never Stated Until After an Error
- No Indication of Which Fields on a Form Are Required
- Radio Button Group Missing Its Question or Prompt Text
- Field Instructions Placed After the Field They’re Meant to Explain
- Date Field Split Into Boxes With No Individual Labels
- Character Limit Enforced but Never Communicated to Users
- Numeric Field With No Stated Unit of Measurement
- CAPTCHA Field With No Instructions on What to Do
- Field With Only an ARIA Label and No Visible Label
- Required Field Marked in Code but Not Shown Visually
- Required-Field Asterisk Used With No Explanation Anywhere