Axe by Deque: Tool for Web Accessibility Testing

Web accessibility is crucial in ensuring that all users, regardless of their abilities, can access and interact with digital content. As the world becomes more inclusive, accessibility standards have evolved to ensure that websites are designed to accommodate users with disabilities. One of the best tools to help developers and teams maintain accessibility compliance is Axe by Deque.

In this blog, we’ll explore what Axe is, why it’s important for web development, and how it helps ensure that websites meet accessibility standards.

What is Axe by Deque?

Axe by Deque is a powerful, open-source accessibility testing tool designed to identify and fix accessibility issues in websites and web applications. Created by Deque Systems, a leading company in the field of web accessibility, Axe helps developers and quality assurance (QA) teams ensure that their websites are compliant with accessibility guidelines like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and Section 508.

Axe is available as a browser extension for Chrome and Firefox, and it can also be integrated into continuous integration (CI) systems, making it a versatile tool for various stages of development.

Why is Accessibility Important?

Accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive limitations, can fully interact with digital content. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 billion people worldwide experience some form of disability. Failing to meet accessibility standards not only excludes these users but can also result in legal implications and harm your brand’s reputation.

In addition, accessible websites tend to perform better in terms of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and usability, offering an enhanced user experience for all visitors. These factors make accessibility a critical part of modern web development.

Key Features of Axe by Deque

Axe stands out as one of the most comprehensive and user-friendly accessibility testing tools on the market. Here’s why:

1. Automated Testing

Axe automates the process of detecting common accessibility issues, saving developers and testers time. The tool checks for a wide range of potential problems, such as missing alt text for images, incorrect heading structure, insufficient color contrast, and form input issues. This automation ensures that accessibility testing is streamlined and efficient.

2. Comprehensive Accessibility Rules

Axe follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Section 508 standards, the two most widely recognized accessibility benchmarks. The tool tests for over 50 different accessibility rules and provides a detailed report on the results. These rules cover a broad range of user disabilities, from visual impairments to cognitive challenges.

3. Integrations

Axe can be easily integrated into different parts of your development process. Whether you want to run accessibility checks during development via the browser extension or automate tests within your CI pipeline, Axe makes it simple to incorporate accessibility testing into your workflow. It supports various platforms, including Jenkins, Travis CI, and GitHub Actions.

4. Detailed and Actionable Reports

When Axe identifies an accessibility issue, it doesn’t just tell you there’s a problem—it explains what the issue is, why it matters, and how to fix it. This makes the tool incredibly useful for both developers and designers, allowing them to take immediate action to resolve any issues.

5. Free and Open-Source

One of the standout features of Axe is that it is open-source and free to use. This accessibility-focused approach helps promote a more inclusive web without the need for costly proprietary software. Deque also offers premium versions of Axe, providing additional features and enterprise-level support.

How Does Axe Work?

Axe operates by analyzing your website’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to identify potential accessibility issues. It scans for problems such as:

• Missing alternative text for images
• Contrasting issues between text and background colors
• Incorrectly structured HTML (headings, lists, tables)
• Keyboard navigation issues
• Form element accessibility
• ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) issues

Once the analysis is complete, Axe provides a detailed report, including:

• A description of each issue
• The WCAG guideline or Section 508 rule it violates
• A severity level (critical, moderate, or minor)
• Steps to fix the issue

These reports help development teams prioritize issues, focusing on the most critical ones that may prevent users from interacting with the site.

How to Use Axe by Deque

Getting started with Axe is easy. Here’s a quick guide on how to begin using it:

1. Install the Axe Browser Extension

• For Chrome: Visit the Chrome Web Store, search for the “Axe Accessibility Checker” extension, and click "Add to Chrome."
• For Firefox: Go to the Firefox Add-ons website, search for “Axe Accessibility Checker,” and click "Add to Firefox."

2. Run Accessibility Tests

After installation, open the webpage you want to test, click on the Axe icon in your browser toolbar, and start the accessibility audit. Axe will analyze the page and provide a detailed report of any issues it finds.

3. Fix the Issues

Axe will highlight the issues directly on the webpage, allowing you to see the problem in context. It will also provide recommendations on how to fix the issue, making it easier to address the problems and improve accessibility.

4. Integrate Axe into CI/CD Pipeline

For ongoing testing, integrate Axe into your continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline. You can use Axe’s JavaScript library and other integrations to automate accessibility tests for every build and deployment.

Benefits of Using Axe

1. Improved User Experience: By identifying and fixing accessibility issues, Axe helps you create a better experience for users with disabilities.
2. Increased Reach: Making your site accessible increases its reach, allowing more users to engage with your content.
3. Legal Compliance: Axe helps you ensure compliance with legal accessibility standards like WCAG and Section 508, reducing the risk of lawsuits.
4. Cost-Effective: Axe is a free tool that provides high-quality results, making it an affordable solution for accessibility testing.

Axe by Deque is an essential tool for any web development team committed to creating accessible and inclusive digital experiences. By providing automated, comprehensive accessibility checks, detailed reports, and easy integration into development workflows, Axe helps developers build websites that are both user-friendly and compliant with global accessibility standards.

If you haven’t yet incorporated accessibility testing into your development process, Axe is a fantastic place to start. It’s time to make the web a more accessible place for everyone, and Axe is here to help you do just that.

Nadir Riyani holds a Master in Computer Application and brings 15 years of experience in the IT industry to his role as an Engineering Manager. With deep expertise in Microsoft technologies, Splunk, DevOps Automation, Database systems, and Cloud technologies? Nadir is a seasoned professional known for his technical acumen and leadership skills. He has published over 250+ articles in public forums, sharing his knowledge and insights with the broader tech community. Nadir's extensive experience and contributions make him a respected figure in the IT world.