In today’s fast‑moving digital landscape, application performance is no longer a “nice to have.” Instead, it has become a core business requirement. Users expect applications to be fast, reliable, and consistent regardless of traffic spikes, geographic location, or device type. As a result, engineering teams must test not only whether an application works but also how it behaves under real‑world load. This is where Artillery Load Testing plays a critical role. Artillery helps teams simulate thousands of users hitting APIs or backend services, making it easier to identify bottlenecks before customers ever feel them. However, performance testing alone is not enough. You also need confidence that the frontend behaves correctly across browsers and devices. That’s why many modern teams pair Artillery with Playwright E2E testing.
By combining Artillery load testing, Playwright end‑to‑end testing, and Artillery Cloud, teams gain a unified testing ecosystem. This approach ensures that APIs remain fast under pressure, user journeys remain stable, and performance metrics such as Web Vitals are continuously monitored. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to build a scalable testing strategy without breaking your existing workflow. We’ll walk through Artillery load testing fundamentals, Playwright E2E automation, and how Artillery Cloud ties everything together with real‑time reporting and collaboration.
What This Guide Covers
This article is structured to follow the same flow as the attached document, while adding clarity and real‑world context. Specifically, we will cover:
Artillery load testing fundamentals
How to create and run your first load test
Artillery Cloud integration for load tests
Running Artillery tests with an inline API key
Best practices for reliable load testing
Playwright E2E testing basics
Integrating Playwright with Artillery Cloud
Enabling Web Vitals tracking
Building a unified workflow for UI and API testing
Part 1: Artillery Load Testing
What Is Artillery Load Testing?
Artillery is a modern, developer‑friendly tool designed for load and performance testing. Unlike legacy tools that require heavy configuration, Artillery uses simple YAML files and integrates naturally with the Node.js ecosystem. This makes it especially appealing to QA engineers, SDETs, and developers who want quick feedback without steep learning curves.
With artillery load testing, you can simulate realistic traffic patterns and validate how your backend systems behave under stress. More importantly, you can run these tests locally, in CI/CD pipelines, or at scale using Artillery Cloud.
Common Use Cases
Artillery load testing is well-suited for:
Load and stress testing REST or GraphQL APIs
Spike testing during sudden traffic surges
Soak testing for long‑running stability checks
Performance validation of microservices
Serverless and cloud‑native workloads
Because Artillery is scriptable and extensible, teams can easily evolve their tests alongside the application.
Installing Artillery
Getting started with Artillery load testing is straightforward. You can install it globally or as a project dependency, depending on your workflow.
Global installation:
npm install -g artillery
Project‑level installation:
npm install artillery --save-dev
For most teams, a project‑level install works best, as it ensures consistent versions across environments.
Creating Your First Load Test
Once installed, creating an Artillery load test is refreshingly simple. Tests are defined using YAML, which makes them easy to read and maintain.
This test simulates 10 new users per second for one minute, all calling the same API endpoint. While simple, it already provides valuable insight into baseline performance.
Run the test:
artillery run test-load.yml
Beginner-Friendly Explanation
Think of Artillery like a virtual crowd generator. Instead of waiting for real users to hit your system, you create controlled traffic waves. This allows you to answer critical questions early, such as:
How many users can the system handle?
Where does latency start to increase?
Which endpoints are the slowest under load?
Artillery Cloud Integration for Load Tests
While local test results are helpful, they quickly become hard to manage at scale. This is where Artillery Cloud becomes essential.
Artillery Cloud provides:
Real‑time dashboards
Historical trend analysis
Team collaboration and sharing
AI‑powered debugging insights
Centralized performance data
By integrating Artillery load testing with Artillery Cloud, teams gain visibility that goes far beyond raw numbers.
Running Load Tests with Inline API Key (No Export Required)
Many teams prefer not to manage environment variables, especially in temporary or CI/CD environments. Fortunately, Artillery allows you to pass your API key directly in the command.
Run a load test with inline API key:
artillery run --key YOUR_API_KEY test-load.yml
As soon as the test finishes, results appear in Artillery Cloud automatically.
Playwright is a modern end‑to‑end testing framework designed for speed, reliability, and cross‑browser coverage. Unlike older UI testing tools, Playwright includes auto‑waiting and built‑in debugging features, which dramatically reduce flaky tests.
Key Features
Automatic waits for elements
Parallel test execution
Built‑in API testing support
Mobile device emulation
Screenshots, videos, and traces
Cross‑browser testing (Chromium, Firefox, WebKit)
Installing Playwright
Getting started with Playwright is equally simple:
Artillery Cloud extends Playwright by adding centralized reporting, collaboration, and performance visibility. Instead of isolated test results, your team gets a shared source of truth.
Just like Artillery load testing, you can run Playwright tests without exporting environment variables:
ARTILLERY_CLOUD_API_KEY=YOUR_KEY npx playwright test
This approach works seamlessly in CI/CD pipelines.
Real‑Time Reporting and Web Vitals Tracking
When tests start, Artillery Cloud generates a live URL that updates in real time. Additionally, you can enable Web Vitals tracking such as LCP, CLS, FCP, TTFB, and INP by wrapping your tests with a helper function.
This ensures every page visit captures meaningful performance data.
Enabling Web Vitals Tracking (LCP, CLS, FCP, TTFB, INP)
Web performance is critical. With Artillery Cloud, you can track Core Web Vitals directly from Playwright tests.
Enable Performance Tracking
import { test as base } from '@playwright/test';
import { withPerformanceTracking } from '@artilleryio/playwright-reporter';
const test = withPerformanceTracking(base);
test('has title', async ({ page }) => {
await page.goto('https://playwright.dev/');
await expect(page).toHaveTitle(/Playwright/);
});
Every page visit now automatically reports Web Vitals.
Unified Workflow: Artillery + Playwright + Cloud
By combining:
Artillery load testing for backend performance
Playwright for frontend validation
Artillery Cloud for centralized insights
You create a complete testing ecosystem. This unified workflow improves visibility, encourages collaboration, and helps teams catch issues earlier.
Conclusion
Artillery load testing has become essential for teams building modern, high-traffic applications. However, performance testing alone is no longer enough. Today’s teams must validate backend scalability, frontend reliability, and real user experience, often within rapid release cycles. By combining Artillery load testing for APIs, Playwright E2E testing for user journeys, and Artillery Cloud for centralized insights, teams gain a complete, production-ready testing strategy. This unified approach helps catch performance bottlenecks early, prevent UI regressions, and track Web Vitals that directly impact user experience.
Just as importantly, this workflow fits seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines. With real-time dashboards and historical performance trends, teams can release faster with confidence, ensuring performance, functionality, and user experience scale together as the product grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Artillery Load Testing?
Artillery Load Testing is a performance testing approach that uses the Artillery framework to simulate real-world traffic on APIs and backend services. It helps teams measure response times, identify bottlenecks, and validate system behavior under different load conditions before issues impact end users.
What types of tests can be performed using Artillery?
Performance validation for microservices and serverless APIs
This flexibility makes Artillery Load Testing suitable for modern, cloud-native applications.
Is Artillery suitable for API load testing?
Yes, Artillery is widely used for API load testing. It supports REST and GraphQL APIs, allows custom headers and authentication, and can simulate realistic user flows using YAML-based configurations. This makes it ideal for validating backend performance at scale.
How is Artillery Load Testing different from traditional performance testing tools?
Unlike traditional performance testing tools, Artillery is developer-friendly and lightweight. It uses simple configuration files, integrates seamlessly with Node.js projects, and fits naturally into CI/CD pipelines. Additionally, Artillery Cloud provides real-time dashboards and historical performance insights without complex setup.
Can Artillery Load Testing be integrated into CI/CD pipelines?
Absolutely. Artillery Load Testing is CI/CD friendly and supports inline API keys, JSON reports, and automatic cloud uploads. Teams commonly run Artillery tests as part of build or deployment pipelines to catch performance regressions early.
What is Artillery Cloud and why should I use it?
Artillery Cloud is a hosted platform that enhances Artillery Load Testing with centralized dashboards, real-time reporting, historical trend analysis, and AI-assisted debugging. It allows teams to collaborate, share results, and track performance changes over time from a single interface.
Can I run Artillery load tests without setting environment variables?
Yes. Artillery allows you to pass the Artillery Cloud API key directly in the command line. This is especially useful for CI/CD environments or temporary test runs where exporting environment variables is not practical.
How does Playwright work with Artillery Load Testing?
Artillery and Playwright serve complementary purposes. Artillery focuses on backend and API performance, while Playwright validates frontend user journeys. When both are integrated with Artillery Cloud, teams get a unified view of functional reliability and performance metrics.
Start validating API performance and UI reliability using Artillery Load Testing and Playwright today.
As organizations continue shifting toward digital documentation, whether for onboarding, training, contracts, reports, or customer communication, the need for accessible PDFs has become more important than ever. Today, accessibility isn’t just a “nice to have”; rather, it is a legal, ethical, and operational requirement that ensures every user, including those with disabilities, can seamlessly interact with your content. This is why Accessibility testing and PDF accessibility testing has become a critical process for organizations that want to guarantee equal access, maintain compliance, and provide a smooth reading experience across all digital touchpoints. Moreover, when accessibility is addressed from the start, documents become easier to manage, update, and distribute across teams, customers, and global audiences.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what PDF accessibility truly means, why compliance is crucial across different GEO regions, how to identify and fix common accessibility issues, and which tools can help streamline the review process. By the end of this blog, you will have a clear, actionable roadmap for building accessible, compliant, and user-friendly PDFs at scale.
Understanding PDF Accessibility and Why It Matters
What Makes a PDF Document Accessible?
An accessible PDF goes far beyond text that simply appears readable. Instead, it relies on an internal structure that enables assistive technologies such as screen readers, Braille displays, speech-to-text tools, and magnifiers to interpret content correctly. To achieve this, a PDF must include several key components:
A complete tag tree representing headings, paragraphs, lists, tables, and figures
A logical reading order that reflects how content should naturally flow
Rich metadata, including document title and language settings
Meaningful alternative text for images, diagrams, icons, and charts
Properly labeled form fields
Adequate color contrast between text and background
Consistent document structure that enhances navigation and comprehension
When these elements are applied thoughtfully, the PDF becomes perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, aligning with the four core WCAG principles.
Why PDF Accessibility Is Crucial for Compliance (U.S. and Global)
Ensuring accessibility isn’t optional; it is a legal requirement across major markets.
United States Requirements
Organizations must comply with:
Section 508 – Mandatory for federal agencies and any business supplying digital content to them
ADA Title II & III – Applies to public entities and public-facing organizations
Consequently, organizations that invest in accessibility position themselves for broader global reach and smoother GEO compliance.
Setting Up a PDF Accessibility Testing Checklist
Because PDF remediation involves both structural and content-level requirements, creating a standardized checklist ensures consistency and reduces errors across teams. With a checklist, testers can follow a repeatable workflow instead of relying on memory.
A strong PDF accessibility checklist includes:
Document metadata: Title, language, subject, and author
Selectable and searchable text: No scanned pages without OCR
Logical tagging: Paragraphs, lists, tables, and figures are properly tagged; No “Span soup” or incorrect tag types
Reading order: Sequential and aligned with the visual layout; Essential for multi-column layouts
Alternative text for images: Concise, accurate, and contextual alt text
Descriptive links: Avoid “click here”; use intent-based labels
Form field labeling: Tooltips, labels, tab order, and required field indicators
Color and contrast compliance: WCAG AA standards (4.5:1 for body text)
Automated and manual validation: Required for both compliance and real-world usability
This checklist forms the backbone of an effective PDF accessibility testing program.
Common Accessibility Issues Found During PDF Testing
During accessibility audits, several recurring issues emerge. Understanding them helps organizations prioritize fixes more effectively.
Incorrect Reading Order Screen readers may jump between sections or read content out of context when the reading order is not defined correctly. This is especially common in multi-column documents, brochures, or forms.
Missing or Incorrect Tags Common issues include:
Untagged text
Incorrect heading levels
Mis-tagged lists
Tables tagged as paragraphs
Missing Alternative Text Charts, images, diagrams, and icons require descriptive alt text. Without it, visually impaired users miss critical information.
Decorative Images Not Marked as Decorative If decorative elements are not properly tagged, screen readers announce them unnecessarily, leading to cognitive overload.
Unlabeled Form Fields Users cannot complete forms accurately if fields are not labeled or if tooltips are missing.
Poor Color Contrast Low-contrast text is difficult to read for users with visual impairments or low vision.
Inconsistent Table Structures Tables often lack:
Header cells
Complex table markup
Clear associations between rows and columns
Manual vs. Automated PDF Accessibility Testing
Although automated tools are valuable for quickly detecting errors, they cannot fully interpret context or user experience. Therefore, both approaches are essential.
S. No
Aspect
Automated Testing
Manual Testing
1
Speed
Fast and scalable
Slower but deeper
2
Coverage
Structural and metadata checks
Contextual interpretation
3
Ideal For
Early detection
Final validation
4
Limitations
Cannot judge meaning or usability
Requires skilled testers
By integrating both methods, organizations achieve more accurate and reliable results.
Best PDF Accessibility Testing Tools
Adobe Acrobat Pro
Adobe Acrobat Pro remains the top choice for enterprise-level PDF accessibility remediation. Key capabilities include:
Accessibility Checker reports
Detailed tag tree editor
Reading Order tool
Alt text panel
Automated quick fixes
Screen reader simulation
These features make Acrobat indispensable for thorough remediation.
Best Free and Open-Source Tools
For teams seeking cost-efficient solutions, the following tools provide excellent validation features:
PAC 3 (PDF Accessibility Checker) Leading free PDF/UA checker Offers deep structure analysis and screen-reader preview
CommonLook PDF Validator Rule-based WCAG and Section 508 validation
axe DevTools Helps detect accessibility issues in PDFs embedded in web apps
Siteimprove Accessibility Checker Scans PDFs linked from websites and identifies issues
Although these tools do not fully replace manual review or Acrobat Pro, they significantly improve testing efficiency.
How to Remediate PDF Accessibility Issues
Improving Screen Reader Compatibility
Screen readers rely heavily on structure. Therefore, remediation should focus on:
Rebuilding or editing the tag tree
Establishing heading hierarchy
Fixing reading order
Adding meaningful alt text
Applying OCR to image-only PDFs
Labeling form fields properly
Additionally, testing with NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver ensures the document behaves correctly for real users.
Ensuring WCAG and Section 508 Compliance
To achieve compliance:
Align with WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines
Use official Section 508 criteria for U.S. government readiness
Validate using at least two tools (e.g., Acrobat + PAC 3)
Document fixes for audit trails
Publish accessibility statements for public-facing documents
Compliance not only protects organizations legally but also boosts trust and usability.
Imagine a financial institution releasing an important loan application PDF. The document includes form fields, instructions, and supporting diagrams. On the surface, everything looks functional. However:
The fields are unlabeled
The reading order jumps unpredictably
Diagrams lack alt text
Instructions are not tagged properly
A screen reader user attempting to complete the form would hear:
“Edit… edit… edit…” with no guidance.
Consequently, the user cannot apply independently and may abandon the process entirely. After proper remediation, the same PDF becomes:
Fully navigable
Informative
Screen reader friendly
Easy to complete without assistance
This example highlights how accessibility testing transforms user experience and strengthens brand credibility.
Benefits Comparison Table
Sno
Benefit Category
Accessible PDFs
Inaccessible PDFs
1
User Experience
Smooth, inclusive
Frustrating and confusing
2
Screen Reader Compatibility
High
Low or unusable
3
Compliance
Meets global standards
High legal risk
4
Brand Reputation
Inclusive and trustworthy
Perceived neglect
5
Efficiency
Easier updates and reuse
Repeated fixes required
6
GEO Readiness
Supports multiple regions
Compliance gaps
Conclusion
PDF Accessibility Testing is now a fundamental part of digital content creation. As organizations expand globally and digital communication increases, accessible documents are essential for compliance, usability, and inclusivity. By combining automated tools, manual testing, structured remediation, and ongoing governance, teams can produce documents that are readable, navigable, and user-friendly for everyone.
When your documents are accessible, you enhance customer trust, reduce legal risk, and strengthen your brand’s commitment to equal access. Start building accessibility into your PDF workflow today to create a more inclusive digital ecosystem for all users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PDF Accessibility Testing?
PDF Accessibility Testing is the process of evaluating whether a PDF document can be correctly accessed and understood by people with disabilities using assistive technologies like screen readers, magnifiers, or braille displays.
Why is PDF accessibility important?
Accessible PDFs ensure equal access for all users and help organizations comply with laws such as ADA, Section 508, WCAG, and international accessibility standards.
How do I know if my PDF is accessible?
You can use tools like Adobe Acrobat Pro, PAC 3, or CommonLook Validator to scan for issues such as missing tags, incorrect reading order, unlabeled form fields, or missing alt text.
What are the most common PDF accessibility issues?
Typical issues include improper tagging, missing alt text, incorrect reading order, low color contrast, and non-labeled form fields.
Which tools are best for PDF Accessibility Testing?
Adobe Acrobat Pro is the most comprehensive, while PAC 3 and CommonLook PDF Validator offer strong free or low-cost validation options.
How do I fix an inaccessible PDF?
Fixes may include adding tags, correcting reading order, adding alt text, labeling form fields, applying OCR to scanned files, and improving color contrast.
Does PDF accessibility affect SEO?
Yes. Accessible PDFs are easier for search engines to index, improving discoverability and user experience across devices and GEO regions.
Ensure every PDF you publish meets global accessibility standards.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, performance testing is no longer a “nice to have”; it is a business-critical requirement. Whether you are managing a large-scale e-commerce platform, preparing for seasonal traffic surges, or responsible for ensuring a microservices-based SaaS product performs smoothly under load, user expectations are higher than ever. Moreover, even a delay of just a few seconds can drastically impact conversion rates, customer satisfaction, and long-term brand loyalty. Because of this, organizations across industries are investing heavily in performance engineering as a core part of their software development lifecycle. However, one of the biggest challenges teams face is selecting the right performance testing tools. After all, not all platforms are created equal; some excel at large-scale enterprise testing, while others shine in agile, cloud-native environments.
This blog explores the top performance testing tools used by QA engineers, SDETs, DevOps teams, and performance testers today: Apache JMeter, k6, and Artillery. In addition, we break down their unique strengths, practical use cases, and why they stand out in modern development pipelines.
Before diving deeper, here is a quick overview of why the right tool matters:
It ensures applications behave reliably under peak load
It helps uncover hidden bottlenecks early
It improves scalability planning and capacity forecasting
It reduces production failures, outages, and performance regressions
It strengthens user experience, leading to higher business success
Apache JMeter, The Most Trusted Open-Source Performance Testing Tool
Apache JMeter is one of the most widely adopted open-source performance testing tools in the QA community. Although originally built for testing web applications, it has evolved into a powerful, multi-protocol load-testing solution that supports diverse performance scenarios. JMeter is especially popular among enterprise teams because of its rich feature set, scalability options, and user-friendly design.
What Is Apache JMeter?
JMeter is a Java-based performance testing tool developed by the Apache Software Foundation. Over time, it has expanded beyond web testing and can now simulate load for APIs, databases, FTP servers, message queues, TCP services, and more. This versatility makes it suitable for almost any type of backend or service-level performance validation.
Additionally, because JMeter is completely open-source, it benefits from a large community of contributors, plugins, tutorials, and extensions, making it a continuously improving ecosystem.
Why JMeter Is One of the Best Performance Testing Tools
1. Completely Free and Open-Source
One of JMeter’s biggest advantages is that it has zero licensing cost. Teams can download, modify, extend, or automate JMeter without any limitations. Moreover, the availability of plugins such as the JMeter Plugins Manager helps testers enhance reporting, integrate additional protocols, and expand capabilities significantly.
2. Beginner-Friendly GUI for Faster Test Creation
Another reason JMeter remains the go-to tool for new performance testers is its intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI).
With drag-and-drop components like
Thread Groups
Samplers
Controllers
Listeners
Assertions
Testers can easily build test plans without advanced programming knowledge. Furthermore, the GUI makes debugging and refining tests simpler, especially for teams transitioning from manual to automated load testing.
3. Supports a Wide Range of Protocols
While JMeter is best known for HTTP/HTTPS testing, its protocol coverage extends much further. It supports:
Web applications
REST & SOAP APIs
Databases (JDBC)
WebSocket (with plugins)
FTP/SMTP
TCP requests
Message queues
4. Excellent for Load, Stress, and Scalability Testing
JMeter enables testers to simulate high numbers of virtual users with configurable settings like
Ramp-up time
Number of concurrent users
Loop count
Custom think times
5. Distributed Load Testing Support
For extremely large tests, JMeter supports remote distributed testing, allowing multiple machines to work as load generators. This capability helps simulate thousands or even millions of concurrent users, ideal for enterprise-grade scalability validation.
k6 (Grafana Labs) The Developer-Friendly Load Testing Tool
As software teams shift toward microservices and DevOps-driven workflows, k6 has quickly become one of the most preferred modern performance testing tools. Built by Grafana Labs, k6 provides a developer-centric experience with clean scripting, fast execution, and seamless integration with observability platforms.
What Is k6?
k6 is an open-source, high-performance load testing tool designed for APIs, microservices, and backend systems. It is built in Go, known for its speed and efficiency, and uses JavaScript (ES6) for writing test scripts. As a result, k6 aligns well with developer workflows and supports full automation.
Why k6 Stands Out as a Performance Testing Tool
1. Script-Based and Developer-Friendly
Unlike GUI-driven tools, k6 encourages a performance-as-code approach. Since tests are written in JavaScript, they are
Easy to version-control
Simple to review in pull requests
Highly maintainable
Familiar with developers and automation engineers
2. Lightweight, Fast, and Highly Scalable
Because k6 is built in Go, it is:
Efficient in memory usage
Capable of generating huge loads
Faster than many traditional testing tools
Consequently, teams can run more tests with fewer resources, reducing computation and infrastructure costs.
3. Perfect for API & Microservices Testing
k6 excels at testing:
REST APIs
GraphQL
gRPC
Distributed microservices
Cloud-native backends
4. Deep CI/CD Integration for DevOps Teams
Another major strength of k6 is its seamless integration into CI/CD pipelines, such as
GitHub Actions
GitLab CI
Jenkins
Azure DevOps
CircleCI
Bitbucket Pipelines
5. Supports All Modern Performance Testing Types
With k6, engineers can run:
Load tests
Stress tests
Spike tests
Soak tests
Breakpoint tests
Performance regression validations
Artillery, A Lightweight and Modern Tool for API & Serverless Testing
Artillery is a modern, JavaScript-based performance testing tool built specifically for testing APIs, event-driven systems, and serverless workloads. It is lightweight, easy to learn, and integrates well with cloud architectures.
What Is Artillery?
Artillery supports test definitions in either YAML or JavaScript, providing flexibility for both testers and developers. It is frequently used for:
API load testing
WebSocket testing
Serverless performance (e.g., AWS Lambda)
Stress and spike testing
Testing event-driven workflows
Why Artillery Is a Great Performance Testing Tool
1. Simple, Readable Test Scripts
Beginners can write tests quickly with YAML, while advanced users can switch to JavaScript to add custom logic. This dual approach balances simplicity with power.
2. Perfect for Automation and DevOps Environments
Just like k6, Artillery supports performance-as-code and integrates easily into CI/CD systems.
Imagine a fintech company preparing to launch a new loan-processing API. They need a tool that:
Integrates with their CI/CD pipeline
Supports API testing
Provides readable scripting
Is fast enough to generate large loads
In this case:
k6 would be ideal because it integrates seamlessly with Grafana, supports JS scripting, and fits DevOps workflows.
JMeter, while powerful, may require more setup and does not integrate as naturally into developer pipelines.
Artillery could also work, especially if the API interacts with event-driven services.
Thus, the “right tool” depends not only on features but also on organizational processes, system architecture, and team preferences.
Conclusion: Which Performance Testing Tool Should You Choose?
Ultimately, JMeter, k6, and Artillery are all among the best performance testing tools available today. However, each excels in specific scenarios:
Choose JMeter if you want a GUI-based tool with broad protocol support and enterprise-level testing capabilities.
Choose k6 if you prefer fast, script-based API testing that fits perfectly into CI/CD pipelines and DevOps workflows.
Choose Artillery if your system relies heavily on serverless, WebSockets, or event-driven architectures.
As your application grows, combining multiple tools may even provide the best coverage.
If you’re ready to strengthen your performance engineering strategy, now is the time to implement the right tools and processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are performance testing tools?
Performance testing tools are software applications used to evaluate how well systems respond under load, stress, or high user traffic. They measure speed, scalability, stability, and resource usage.
Why are performance testing tools important?
They help teams identify bottlenecks early, prevent downtime, improve user experience, and ensure applications can handle real-world traffic conditions effectively.
Which performance testing tool is best for API testing?
k6 is widely preferred for API and microservices performance testing due to its JavaScript scripting, speed, and CI/CD-friendly design.
Can JMeter be used for large-scale load tests?
Yes. JMeter supports distributed load testing, enabling teams to simulate thousands or even millions of virtual users across multiple machines.
Is Artillery good for serverless or event-driven testing?
Absolutely. Artillery is designed to handle serverless workloads, WebSockets, and event-driven systems with lightweight, scriptable test definitions.
Do performance testing tools require coding skills?
Tools like JMeter allow GUI-based test creation, while k6 and Artillery rely more on scripting. The level of coding required depends on the tool selected.
How do I choose the right performance testing tool?
Select based on your system architecture, team skills, required protocols, automation needs, and scalability expectations.
Web accessibility is no longer something teams can afford to overlook; it has become a fundamental requirement for any digital experience. Millions of users rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, alternative input devices, and voice navigation. Consequently, ensuring digital inclusivity is not just a technical enhancement; rather, it is a responsibility that every developer, tester, product manager, and engineering leader must take seriously. Additionally, accessibility risks extend beyond usability. Non-compliant websites can face legal exposure, lose customers, and damage their brand reputation. Therefore, building accessible experiences from the ground up is both a strategic and ethical imperative.Fortunately, accessibility testing does not have to be overwhelming. This is where Google Lighthouse accessibility audits come into play.
Lighthouse makes accessibility evaluation significantly easier by providing automated, WCAG-aligned audits directly within Chrome. With minimal setup, teams can quickly run assessments, uncover common accessibility gaps, and receive actionable guidance on how to fix them. Even better, Lighthouse offers structured scoring, easy-to-read reports, and deep code-level insights that help teams move steadily toward compliance.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about Lighthouse accessibility testing. Not only will we explain how Lighthouse works, but we will also explore how to run audits, how to understand your score, how to fix issues, and how to integrate Lighthouse into your development and testing workflow. Moreover, we will compare Lighthouse with other accessibility tools, helping your QA and development teams adopt a well-rounded accessibility strategy. Ultimately, this guide ensures you can transform Lighthouse’s recommendations into real, meaningful improvements that benefit all users.
Getting Started with Lighthouse Accessibility Testing
To begin, Lighthouse is a built-in auditing tool available directly in Chrome DevTools. Because no installation is needed when using Chrome DevTools, Lighthouse becomes extremely convenient for beginners, testers, and developers who want quick accessibility insights. Lighthouse evaluates several categories: accessibility, performance, SEO, and best practices, although in this guide, we focus primarily on the Lighthouse accessibility dimension.
Furthermore, teams can run tests in either Desktop or Mobile mode. This flexibility ensures that accessibility issues specific to device size or interaction patterns are identified. Lighthouse’s accessibility engine audits webpages against automated WCAG-based rules and then generates a score between 0 and 100. Each issue Lighthouse identifies includes explanations, code snippets, impacted elements, and recommended solutions, making it easier to translate findings into improvements.
In addition to browser-based evaluations, Lighthouse can also be executed automatically through CI/CD pipelines using Lighthouse CI. Consequently, teams can incorporate accessibility testing into their continuous development lifecycle and catch issues early before they reach production.
Setting Up Lighthouse in Chrome and Other Browsers
Lighthouse is already built into Chrome DevTools, but you can also install it as an extension if you prefer a quick, one-click workflow.
How to Install the Lighthouse Extension in Chrome
Open the Chrome Web Store and search for “Lighthouse.”
Select the Lighthouse extension.
Click Add to Chrome.
Confirm by selecting Add Extension.
Although Lighthouse works seamlessly in Chrome, setup and support vary across other browsers:
Microsoft Edge includes Lighthouse directly inside DevTools under the “Audits” or “Lighthouse” tab.
Firefox uses the Gecko engine and therefore does not support Lighthouse, as it relies on Chrome-specific APIs.
Brave and Opera (both Chromium-based) support Lighthouse in DevTools or via the Chrome extension, following the same steps as Chrome.
On Mac, the installation and usage steps for all Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera) are the same as on Windows.
This flexibility allows teams to run Lighthouse accessibility audits in environments they prefer, although Chrome continues to provide the most reliable and complete experience.
Running Your First Lighthouse Accessibility Audit
Once Lighthouse is set up, running your first accessibility audit becomes incredibly straightforward.
Steps to Run a Lighthouse Accessibility Audit
Open the webpage you want to test in Google Chrome.
Right-click anywhere on the page and select Inspect, or press F12.
Navigate to the Lighthouse panel.
Select the Accessibility checkbox under Categories.
Choose your testing mode:
Desktop (PSI Frontend—pagespeed.web.dev)
Mobile (Lighthouse Viewer—googlechrome.github.io)
Click Analyze Page Load.
Lighthouse will then scan your page and generate a comprehensive report. This report becomes your baseline accessibility health score and provides structured groupings of passed, failed, and not-applicable audits. Consequently, you gain immediate visibility into where your website stands in terms of accessibility compliance.
Key Accessibility Checks Performed by Lighthouse
Lighthouse evaluates accessibility using automated rules referencing WCAG guidelines. Although automated audits do not replace manual testing, they are extremely effective at catching frequent and high-impact accessibility barriers.
High-Impact Accessibility Checks Include:
Color contrast verification
Correct ARIA roles and attributes
Descriptive and meaningful alt text for images
Keyboard navigability
Proper heading hierarchy (H1–H6)
Form field labels
Focusable interactive elements
Clear and accessible button/link names
Common Accessibility Issues Detected in Lighthouse Reports
During testing, Lighthouse often highlights issues that developers frequently overlook. These include structural, semantic, and interactive problems that meaningfully impact accessibility.
Typical Issues Identified:
Missing list markup
Insufficient color contrast between text and background
Incorrect heading hierarchy
Missing or incorrect H1 tag
Invalid or unpermitted ARIA attributes
Missing alt text on images
Interactive elements that cannot be accessed using a keyboard
Unlabeled or confusing form fields
Focusable elements that are ARIA-hidden
Because Lighthouse provides code references for each issue, teams can resolve them quickly and systematically.
Interpreting Your Lighthouse Accessibility Score
Lighthouse scores reflect the number of accessibility audits your page passes. The rating ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better compliance.
The results are grouped into
Passes
Not Applicable
Failed Audits
While Lighthouse audits are aligned with many WCAG 2.1 rules, they only cover checks that can be automated. Thus, manual validation such as keyboard-only testing, screen reader exploration, and logical reading order verification remains essential.
What To Do After Receiving a Low Score
Review the failed audits.
Prioritize the highest-impact issues first (e.g., contrast, labels, ARIA errors).
Address code-level problems such as missing alt attributes or incorrect roles.
Re-run Lighthouse to validate improvements.
Conduct manual accessibility testing for completeness.
Lighthouse is a starting point, not a full accessibility certification. Nevertheless, it remains an invaluable tool in identifying issues early and guiding remediation efforts.
Improving Website Accessibility Using Lighthouse Insights
One of Lighthouse’s strengths is that it offers actionable, specific recommendations alongside each failing audit.
Typical Recommendations Include:
Add meaningful alt text to images.
Ensure buttons and links have descriptive, accessible names.
Increase contrast ratios for text and UI components.
Add labels and clear instructions to form fields.
Remove invalid or redundant ARIA attributes.
Correct heading structure (e.g., start with H1, maintain sequential order).
Because Lighthouse provides “Learn More” links to relevant Google documentation, developers and testers can quickly understand both the reasoning behind each issue and the steps for remediation.
Integrating Lighthouse Findings Into Your Workflow
To maximize the value of Lighthouse, teams should integrate it directly into development, testing, and CI/CD processes.
Recommended Workflow Strategies
Run Lighthouse audits during development.
Include accessibility checks in code reviews.
Automate Lighthouse accessibility tests using Lighthouse CI.
Establish a baseline accessibility score (e.g., always maintain >90).
Use Lighthouse reports to guide UX improvements and compliance tracking.
By integrating accessibility checks early and continuously, teams avoid bottlenecks that arise when accessibility issues are caught too late in the development cycle. In turn, accessibility becomes ingrained in your engineering culture rather than an afterthought.
Comparing Lighthouse to Other Accessibility Tools
Although Lighthouse is powerful, it is primarily designed for quick automated audits. Therefore, it is important to compare it with alternative accessibility testing tools.
Evaluates accessibility along with performance, SEO, and best practices
Other Tools (Axe, WAVE, Tenon, and Accessibility Insights) Offer:
More extensive rule sets
Better support for manual testing
Deeper contrast analysis
Assistive-technology compatibility checks
Thus, Lighthouse acts as an excellent first step, while other platforms provide more comprehensive accessibility verification.
Coverage of Guidelines and Standards
Although Lighthouse checks many WCAG 2.0/2.1 items, it does not evaluate every accessibility requirement.
Lighthouse Does Not Check:
Logical reading order
Complex keyboard trap scenarios
Dynamic content announcements
Screen reader usability
Video captioning
Semantic meaning or contextual clarity
Therefore, for complete accessibility compliance, Lighthouse should always be combined with manual testing and additional accessibility tools.
Summary Comparison Table
Sno
Area
Lighthouse
Other Tools (Axe, WAVE, etc.)
1
Ease of use
Extremely easy; built into Chrome
Easy, but external tools or extensions
2
Automation
Strong automated WCAG checks
Strong automated and semi-automated checks
3
Manual testing support
Limited
Extensive
4
Rule depth
Moderate
High
5
CI/CD integration
Yes (Lighthouse CI)
Yes
6
Best for
Quick audits, early dev checks
Full accessibility compliance strategies
Example
Imagine a team launching a new marketing landing page. On the surface, the page looks visually appealing, but Lighthouse immediately highlights several accessibility issues:
Insufficient contrast in primary buttons
Missing alt text for decorative images
Incorrect heading order (H3 used before H1)
A form with unlabeled input fields
By following Lighthouse’s recommendations, the team fixes these issues within minutes. As a result, they improve screen reader compatibility, enhance readability, and comply more closely with WCAG standards. This example shows how Lighthouse helps catch hidden accessibility problems before they become costly.
Conclusion
Lighthouse accessibility testing is one of the fastest and most accessible ways for teams to improve their website’s inclusiveness. With its automated checks, intuitive interface, and actionable recommendations, Lighthouse empowers developers, testers, and product teams to identify accessibility gaps early and effectively. Nevertheless, Lighthouse should be viewed as one essential component of a broader accessibility strategy. To reach full WCAG compliance, teams must combine Lighthouse with manual testing, screen reader evaluation, and deeper diagnostic tools like Axe or Accessibility Insights.
By integrating Lighthouse accessibility audits into your everyday workflow, you create digital experiences that are not only visually appealing and high performing but also usable by all users regardless of ability. Now is the perfect time to strengthen your accessibility process and move toward truly inclusive design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lighthouse accessibility?
Lighthouse accessibility refers to the automated accessibility audits provided by Google Lighthouse. It checks your website against WCAG-based rules and highlights issues such as low contrast, missing alt text, heading errors, ARIA problems, and keyboard accessibility gaps.
Is Lighthouse enough for full WCAG compliance?
No. Lighthouse covers only automated checks. Manual testing such as keyboard-only navigation, screen reader testing, and logical reading order review is still required for full WCAG compliance.
Where can I run Lighthouse accessibility audits?
You can run Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools, Edge DevTools, Brave, Opera, and through Lighthouse CI. Firefox does not support Lighthouse due to its Gecko engine.
How accurate are Lighthouse accessibility scores?
Lighthouse scores are reliable for automated checks. However, they should be viewed as a starting point. Some accessibility issues cannot be detected automatically.
What common issues does Lighthouse detect?
Lighthouse commonly finds low color contrast, missing alt text, incorrect headings, invalid ARIA attributes, unlabeled form fields, and non-focusable interactive elements.
Does Lighthouse check keyboard accessibility?
Yes, Lighthouse flags elements that cannot be accessed with a keyboard. However, it does not detect complex keyboard traps or custom components that require manual verification.
Can Lighthouse audit mobile accessibility?
Yes. Lighthouse lets you run audits in Desktop mode and Mobile mode, helping you evaluate accessibility across different device types.
Improve your website’s accessibility with ease. Get a Lighthouse accessibility review and expert recommendations to boost compliance and user experience.
In the world of QA engineering and test automation, teams are constantly under pressure to deliver faster, more stable, and more maintainable automated tests. Desktop applications, especially legacy or enterprise apps, add another layer of complexity because of dynamic UI components, changing object properties, and multiple user workflows. This is where TestComplete, combined with the Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) approach, becomes a powerful advantage. As you’ll learn throughout this TestComplete Tutorial, BDD focuses on describing software behaviors in simple, human-readable language. Instead of writing tests that only engineers understand, teams express requirements using natural language structures defined by Gherkin syntax (Given–When–Then). This creates a shared understanding between developers, testers, SMEs, and business stakeholders.
TestComplete enhances this process by supporting full BDD workflows:
Creating Gherkin feature files
Generating step definitions
Linking them to automated scripts
Running end-to-end desktop automation tests
This TestComplete tutorial walks you through the complete process from setting up your project for BDD to creating feature files, implementing step definitions, using Name Mapping, and viewing execution reports. Whether you’re a QA engineer, automation tester, or product team lead, this guide will help you understand not only the “how” but also the “why” behind using TestComplete for BDD desktop automation.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to:
Understand the BDD workflow inside TestComplete
Configure TestComplete to support feature files
Use Name Mapping and Aliases for stable element identification
Write and automate Gherkin scenarios
Launch and validate desktop apps like Notepad
Execute BDD scenarios and interpret results
Implement best practices for long-term test maintenance
BDD is a collaborative development approach that defines software behavior using Gherkin, a natural language format that is readable by both technical and non-technical stakeholders. It focuses on what the system should do, not how it should be implemented. Instead of diving into functions, classes, or code-level details, BDD describes behaviors from the end user’s perspective.
Why BDD Works Well for Desktop Automation
Promotes shared understanding across the team
Reduces ambiguity in requirements
Encourages writing tests that mimic real user actions
Supports test-first approaches (similar to TDD but more collaborative)
Given the user launches Notepad,
When they type text,
Then the text should appear in the editor.
TestComplete Tutorial: Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing BDD for Desktop Apps
Creating a new project
To start using the BDD approach in TestComplete, you first need to create a project that supports Gherkin-based scenarios. As explained in this TestComplete Tutorial, follow the steps below to create a project with a BDD approach.
After clicking “New Project,” a dialog box will appear where you need to:
Enter the Project Name.
Specify the Project Location.
Choose the Scripting Language for your tests.
Next, select the options for your project:
Tested Application – Specify the application you want to test.
BDD Files – Enable Gherkin-based feature files for BDD scenarios.
Click ‘Next’ button
In the next step, choose whether you want to:
Import an existing BDD file from another project,
Import BDD files from your local system, or
Create a new BDD file from scratch.
After selecting the appropriate option, click Next to continue.
In the following step, you are given another decision point, so you must choose whether you prefer to:
Import an existing feature file, or
Create a new one from scratch.
If your intention is to create a new feature file, you should specifically select the option labeled Create a new feature file.
Add the application path for the app you want to test.
This critical action will automatically include your chosen application in the Tested Applications list. As a result, it becomes remarkably easy to launch, close, and interact with the application directly from TestComplete without the need to hardcode the application path anywhere in your scripts.
After selecting the application path, choose the Working Directory.
This selected directory will consequently serve as the base location for all your projects. files and resources. Therefore, it ensures that TestComplete can easily and reliably access every necessary asset during test execution.
Once you’ve completed the above steps, TestComplete will automatically create a feature file with basic Gherkin steps.
This generated file fundamentally serves as the essential starting point for authoring your BDD scenarios using the standard Gherkin syntax.
In this TestComplete Tutorial, write your Gherkin steps in the feature file and then generate the Step Definitions.
Following this, TestComplete will automatically create a dedicated Step Definitions file. Importantly, this file contains the script templates for each individual step within your scenarios. Afterwards, you can proceed to implement the specific automation logic for these steps using your chosen scripting language.
Launching Notepad Using TestedApps in TestComplete
Once you have successfully added the application path to the Tested Applications list, you can then effortlessly launch it within your scripts without any hardcoded path. This effective approach allows you to capably manage multiple applications and launch each one simply by using the names displayed in the TestedApps list.
Adding multiple applications in TestApps
Begin by selecting the specific application type. Subsequently, you must add the precise application path and then click Finish. As a final result, the application will be successfully added to the Tested Applications list.
Select the application type
Add the application path and click Finish.
The application will be added to the Tested Applications list
What is Name Mapping in TestComplete?
Name Mapping is a feature in TestComplete that allows you to create logical names for UI objects in your application. Instead of relying on dynamic or complex properties (like long XPath or changing IDs), you assign a stable, readable name to each object. This TestComplete Tutorial highlights how Name Mapping makes your tests easier to maintain, more readable, and far more reliable over time.
Why is Name Mapping Used?
Readability: Logical names like LoginButton or UsernameField are easier to understand than raw property values.
Maintainability: If an object’s property changes, you only update it in Name Mapping—not in every test script.
Pros of Using Name Mapping
Reduces script complexity by avoiding hardcoded selectors.
Improves test reliability when dealing with dynamic UI elements.
You can add objects by utilizing the Add Object option, so follow these instructions:
First, open the Name Mapping editor within TestComplete.
Then, click on the Add Object button.
Finally, save the completed mapping.
To select the UI element, use the integrated Object Spy tool on your running application.
TestComplete provides two distinct options for naming your mapped objects, which are:
Automatic Naming – Here, TestComplete assigns a default name based directly on the object’s inherent properties.
Manual Naming – In this case, you can assign a custom name based entirely on your specific requirements or the functional role of the window.
For this tutorial, we will use manual naming to achieve superior clarity and greater control over how objects are referenced later in scripts.
Manual Naming and Object Tree in Name Mapping
When you choose manual naming in TestComplete, you’ll see the object tree representing your application’s hierarchy. For example, if you want to map the editor area in Notepad, you first capture it using Object Spy.
Steps:
Start by naming the top-level window (e.g., Notepad).
Then, name each child object step by step, following the tree structure:
Think of it like a tree:
Root → Main Window (Notepad)
Branches → Child Windows (e.g., Menu Bar, Dialogs)
Leaves → Controls (e.g., Text Editor, Buttons)
Once all objects are named, you can reference them in your scripts using these logical names instead of raw properties.
Once you’ve completed the Name Mapping process, you will see the mapped window listed in the Name Mapping editor.
Consequently, you can now reference this window in your scripts by using the logical name you assigned, rather than relying on unstable raw properties.
Using Aliases for Simplified References
TestComplete allows you to further simplify object references by creating aliases. Instead of navigating the entire object tree repeatedly, you can:
Drag and drop objects directly from the Mapped Objects section into the dedicated Aliases window.
Then, assign meaningful alias names based on your specific needs.
This practice helps you in two key ways: it lets you access objects directly without long hierarchical references, and it makes your scripts cleaner and significantly easier to maintain.
// Using alias instead of full hierarchy
Aliases.notepad.Edit.Keys(“Enter your text here ”);
Tip: Add aliases for frequently used objects to speed up scripting and improve readability.
To run your BDD scenarios, execute the following procedure:
Right-click the feature file within your project tree.
Select the Run option from the context menu.
At this point, you can choose to either:
Run all scenarios contained in the feature file, or
Run a single scenario based on your immediate requirement.
This inherent flexibility allows you to test specific functionality without having to execute the entire test suite.
Viewing Test Results After Execution
After executing your BDD scenarios, you can immediately view the detailed results under the Project Logs section in TestComplete. The comprehensive log provides the following essential information:
The pass/fail status was recorded for each scenario.
Specific failure reasons for any steps that did not pass.
Warnings, which are displayed in yellow, are displayed for steps that were executed but with potential issues.
Failed steps are highlighted in red, and passed steps are highlighted in green.
Additionally, a summary is presented, showing:
The total number of test cases executed.
The exact count of how many passed, failed, or contained warnings.
This visual feedback is instrumental, as it helps you rapidly identify issues and systematically improve your test scripts.
Accessing Detailed Test Step View in Reports
After execution, you can drill down into the results for more granular detail by following these steps:
First, navigate to the Reports tab.
Then, click on the specific scenario you wish to review in detail.
As a result, you will see a complete step-by-step breakdown of all actions executed during the test, where:
Each step clearly shows its status (Pass, Fail, Warning).
Failure reasons and accompanying error messages are displayed explicitly for failed steps.
Color coding is applied as follows:
✅ Green indicates Passed steps
❌ Red indicates failed steps
⚠️ Yellow indicates warnings.
Comparison Table: Manual vs Automatic Name Mapping
S. No
Text in 1st column
Text in 2nd column
1
Setup Speed
Fast / Slower
2
Readability
Low / High
3
Flexibility
Rename later / Full control
4
Best For
Quick tests / Long-term projects
Real-Life Example: Why Name Mapping Matters
Imagine you’re automating a complex desktop application used by 500+ internal users. UI elements constantly change due to updates. If you rely on raw selectors, your test scripts will break every release.
With Name Mapping:
Your scripts remain stable
You only update the mapping once
Testers avoid modifying dozens of scripts
Maintenance time drops drastically
For a company shipping weekly builds, this can save 100+ engineering hours per month.
Conclusion
BDD combined with TestComplete provides a structured, maintainable, and highly collaborative approach to automating desktop applications. From setting up feature files to mapping UI objects, creating step definitions, running scenarios, and analyzing detailed reports, TestComplete’s workflow is ideal for teams looking to scale and stabilize their test automationBDD combined with TestComplete provides a structured, maintainable, and highly collaborative approach to automating desktop applications. From setting up feature files to mapping UI objects, creating step definitions, running scenarios, and analyzing detailed reports, TestComplete’s workflow is ideal for teams looking to scale and stabilize their test automation. As highlighted throughout this TestComplete Tutorial, these capabilities help QA teams build smarter, more reliable, and future-ready automation frameworks that support continuous delivery and long-term quality goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TestComplete used for?
TestComplete is a functional test automation tool used for UI testing of desktop, web, and mobile applications. It supports multiple scripting languages, BDD (Gherkin feature files), keyword-driven testing, and advanced UI object recognition through Name Mapping.
Can TestComplete be used for BDD automation?
Yes. TestComplete supports the Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) approach using Gherkin feature files. You can write scenarios in plain English (Given-When-Then), generate step definitions, and automate them using TestComplete scripts.
How do I create Gherkin feature files in TestComplete?
You can create a feature file during project setup or add one manually under the Scenarios section. TestComplete automatically recognizes the Gherkin format and allows you to generate step definitions from the feature file.
What are step definitions in TestComplete?
Step definitions are code functions generated from Gherkin steps (Given, When, Then). They contain the actual automation logic. TestComplete can auto-generate these functions based on the feature file and lets you implement actions such as launching apps, entering text, clicking controls, or validating results.
How does Name Mapping help in TestComplete?
Name Mapping creates stable, logical names for UI elements, such as Aliases.notepad.Edit. This avoids flaky tests caused by changing object properties and makes scripts more readable, maintainable, and scalable across large test suites.
Is Name Mapping required for BDD tests in TestComplete?
While not mandatory, Name Mapping is highly recommended. It significantly improves reliability by ensuring that UI objects are consistently recognized, even when internal attributes change.
Ready to streamline your desktop automation with BDD and TestComplete? Our experts can help you build faster, more reliable test suites.
As federal agencies and their technology partners increasingly rely on digital tools to deliver services, the importance of accessibility has never been greater. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal organizations and any vendors developing technology for them to ensure equal access to information and communication technologies (ICT) for people with disabilities. This includes everything from websites and mobile apps to PDFs, training videos, kiosks, and enterprise applications. Because accessibility is now an essential expectation rather than a nice-to-have, teams must verify that their digital products work for users with a wide range of abilities. This is where Accessibility Testing becomes crucial. It helps ensure that people who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, voice navigation tools, or switch devices can navigate, understand, and use digital content without barriers.
However, many teams still find Section 508 and accessibility requirements overwhelming. They may be unsure which standards apply, which tools to use, or how to identify issues that automated scans alone cannot detect. Accessibility also requires collaboration across design, development, QA, procurement, and management, making it necessary to embed accessibility into every stage of the digital lifecycle rather than treating it as a last-minute task. Fortunately, Section 508 compliance becomes far more manageable with a clear, structured approach. This guide explains what the standards require, how to test effectively, and how to build a sustainable accessibility process that supports long-term digital inclusiveness.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies and organizations working with them to ensure that their electronic and information technology (EIT) is accessible to people with disabilities. This includes users with visual, auditory, cognitive, neurological, or mobility impairments. The standard ensures that digital content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, four core principles borrowed from WCAG.
The 2018 “Section 508 Refresh” aligned U.S. federal accessibility requirements with WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA, though many organizations now aim for WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 for better future readiness.
What Section 508 Compliance Covers (Expanded)
Websites and web applications: This includes all public-facing sites, intranet portals, login-based dashboards, and SaaS tools used by federal employees or citizens. Each must provide accessible navigation, content, forms, and interactive elements.
PDFs and digital documents: Common formats like PDF, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel must include tagging, correct reading order, accessible tables, alt text for images, and proper structured headings.
Software applications: Desktop, mobile, and enterprise software must support keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, logical focus order, and textual equivalents for all visual elements.
Multimedia content: Videos, webinars, animations, and audio recordings must include synchronized captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions where needed.
Hardware and kiosks: Physical devices such as kiosks, ATMs, and digital signage must provide tactile access, audio output, clear instructions, and predictable controls designed for users with diverse abilities.
Why Test for Section 508 Compliance?
Testing for Section 508 compliance is essential not only for meeting legal requirements but also for enhancing digital experiences for all users. Below are expanded explanations of the key reasons:
1. Prevent legal challenges and costly litigation
Ensuring accessibility early in development reduces the risk of complaints, investigations, and remediation orders that can delay launches and strain budgets. Compliance minimizes organizational risk and demonstrates a proactive commitment to inclusion.
2. Improve user experience for people with disabilities
Accessible design ensures that users with visual, auditory, cognitive, or mobility impairments can fully interact with digital tools. For instance, alt text helps blind users understand images, while keyboard operability allows people who cannot use a mouse to navigate interfaces effectively.
3. Enhance usability and SEO for all users
Many accessibility improvements, such as structured headings, descriptive link labels, or optimized keyboard navigation, benefit everyone, including users on mobile devices, people multitasking, or those with temporary impairments.
4. Reach broader audiences
Accessible content allows organizations to serve a more diverse population. This is particularly important for public-sector organizations that interact with millions of citizens, including elderly users and people with varying abilities.
5. Ensure consistent user-centered design
Accessibility encourages design practices that emphasize clarity, simplicity, and reliability, qualities that improve overall digital experience and reduce friction for all users.
Key Components of Section 508 Testing
1. Automated Accessibility Testing
Automated tools quickly scan large volumes of pages and documents to detect common accessibility barriers. While they do not catch every issue, they help teams identify recurring patterns and reduce the manual testing workload.
What automated tools typically detect:
Missing alt text: Tools flag images without alternative text that screen reader users rely on to understand visual content. Automation highlights both missing and suspiciously short alt text for further review.
Low color contrast: Automated tests measure whether text meets WCAG contrast ratios. Poor contrast makes reading difficult for users with low vision or color vision deficiencies.
Invalid HTML markup: Errors like missing end tags or duplicated IDs can confuse assistive technologies and disrupt navigation for screen reader users.
Improper heading structure: Tools can detect skipped levels or illogical heading orders, which disrupt comprehension and navigation for AT users.
ARIA misuse: Automation identifies incorrect use of ARIA attributes that may mislead assistive technologies or create inconsistent user experiences.
Automated testing is fast and broad, making it an ideal first layer of accessibility evaluation. However, it must be paired with manual and assistive technology testing to ensure full Section 508 compliance.
2. Manual Accessibility Testing
Manual testing validates whether digital tools align with WCAG, Section 508, and real-world usability expectations. Because automation catches only a portion of accessibility issues, manual reviewers fill the gaps.
What manual testing includes:
Keyboard-only navigation: Testers verify that every interactive element, including buttons, menus, forms, and pop-ups, can be accessed and activated using only the keyboard. This ensures users who cannot use a mouse can fully navigate the interface.
Logical reading order: Manual testers confirm that content flows in a sensible order across different screen sizes and orientations. This is essential for both visual comprehension and screen reader accuracy.
Screen reader compatibility: Reviewers check whether labels, instructions, headings, and interactive components are announced properly by tools like NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver.
Proper link descriptions and form labels: Manual testing ensures that links make sense out of context and form fields have clear labels, so users with disabilities understand the purpose of each control.
Manual testing is especially important for dynamic, custom, or interactive components like modals, dropdowns, and complex form areas where automated tests fall short.
3. Assistive Technology (AT) Testing
AT testing verifies whether digital content works effectively with the tools many people with disabilities rely on.
Tools used for AT testing:
Screen readers: These tools convert digital text into speech or Braille output. Testing ensures that all elements, menus, images, and form controls are accessible and properly announced.
Screen magnifiers: Magnifiers help users with low vision enlarge content. Testers check whether interfaces remain usable and readable when magnified.
Voice navigation tools: Systems like Dragon NaturallySpeaking allow users to control computers using voice commands, so interfaces must respond to verbal actions clearly and consistently.
Switch devices: These tools support users with limited mobility by enabling navigation with single-switch inputs. AT testing ensures interfaces do not require complex physical actions.
AT testing is critical because it reveals how real users interact with digital products, exposing barriers that automation and manual review alone may overlook.
4. Document Accessibility Testing
Digital documents are among the most overlooked areas of Section 508 compliance. Many PDFs and Microsoft Office files remain inaccessible due to formatting issues.
Document accessibility requirements (expanded):
Tags and proper structure: Documents must include semantic tags for headings, paragraphs, lists, and tables so screen readers can interpret them correctly.
Accessible tables and lists: Tables require clear header rows and properly associated cells, and lists must use correct structural markup to convey hierarchy.
Descriptive image alt text: Images that convey meaning must include descriptions that allow users with visual impairments to understand their purpose.
Correct reading order: The reading order must match the visual order so screen readers present content logically.
Bookmarks: Long PDFs require bookmarks to help users navigate large amounts of information quickly and efficiently.
Accessible form fields: Interactive forms need labels, instructions, and error messages that work seamlessly with assistive technologies.
OCR for scanned documents: Any scanned image of text must be converted into searchable, selectable text to ensure users with visual disabilities can read it.
5. Manual Keyboard Navigation Testing
Keyboard accessibility is a core requirement of Section 508 compliance. Many users rely solely on keyboards or assistive alternatives for navigation.
Key focus areas (expanded):
Logical tab order: The tab sequence should follow the natural reading order from left to right and top to bottom so users can predict where focus will move next.
Visible focus indicators: As users tab through controls, the active element must always remain visually identifiable with clear outlines or highlights.
No keyboard traps: Users must never become stuck on any interactive component. They should always be able to move forward, backward, or exit a component easily.
Keyboard support for interactive elements: Components like dropdowns, sliders, modals, and pop-ups must support keyboard interactions, such as arrow keys, Escape, and Enter.
Complete form support: Every field, checkbox, and button must be accessible without a mouse, ensuring smooth form completion for users of all abilities.
Screen readers translate digital content into speech or Braille for users who are blind or have low vision.
Tools commonly used:
NVDA (Windows, free) – A popular, community-supported screen reader ideal for testing web content.
JAWS (Windows, commercial) – Widely used in professional and government settings; essential for ensuring compatibility.
VoiceOver (Mac/iOS) – Built into Apple devices and used by millions of mobile users.
TalkBack (Android) – Android’s native screen reader for mobile accessibility.
ChromeVox (Chromebook) – A useful option for ChromeOS-based environments.
What to test:
Proper reading order: Ensures content reads logically and predictably.
Correct labeling of links and controls: Allows users to understand exactly what each element does.
Logical heading structure: Helps users jump between sections efficiently.
Accessible alternative text: Provides meaningful descriptions of images, icons, and visual components.
Accurate ARIA roles: Ensures that interactive elements announce correctly and do not create confusion.
Clear error messages: Users must receive understandable explanations and guidance when mistakes occur in forms.
7. Multimedia Accessibility Testing
Multimedia content must support multiple types of disabilities, especially hearing and visual impairments.
Requirements include:
Closed captions: Provide text for spoken content so users who are deaf or hard of hearing can understand the material.
Audio descriptions: Narrate key visual events for videos where visual context is essential.
Transcripts: Offer a text-based alternative for audio or video content.
Accessible controls: Players must support keyboard navigation, screen reader labels, and clear visual focus indicators.
Synchronized captioning for webinars: Live content must include accurate, real-time captioning to ensure equity.
8. Mobile & Responsive Accessibility Testing
Mobile accessibility extends Section 508 requirements to apps and responsive websites.
Areas to test:
Touch target size: Buttons and controls must be large enough to activate without precision.
Orientation flexibility: Users should be able to navigate in both portrait and landscape modes.
Zoom support: Content should reflow when zoomed without causing horizontal scrolling.
Compatibility with screen readers and switch access: Ensures full usability for mobile AT users.
Logical focus order: Mobile interfaces must maintain predictable navigation patterns as layouts change.
Best Practices for Sustainable Section 508 Compliance (Expanded)
Train all development, procurement, and management teams: Ongoing accessibility education ensures everyone understands requirements and can implement them consistently across projects.
Involve users with disabilities in testing: Direct feedback from real users reveals barriers that automated and manual tests might miss.
Use both automated and manual testing: A hybrid approach provides accuracy, speed, and depth across diverse content types.
Stay updated with evolving standards: Accessibility guidelines and tools evolve each year, so teams must remain current to maintain compliance.
Maintain an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) using VPAT: This formal documentation demonstrates compliance, supports procurement, and helps agencies evaluate digital products.
Establish internal accessibility policies: Clear guidelines ensure consistent implementation and define roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
Assign accessibility owners and remediation timelines: Accountability accelerates fixes and maintains long-term accessibility maturity.
Conclusion
Section 508 compliance testing is essential for organizations developing or providing technology for federal use. By expanding testing beyond simple automated scans and incorporating manual evaluation, assistive technology testing, accessible document creation, mobile support, and strong organizational processes, you can create inclusive digital experiences that meet legal standards and serve all users effectively. With a structured approach, continuous improvement, and the right tools, your organization can remain compliant while delivering high-quality, future-ready digital solutions across every platform.
Ensure your digital products meet Section 508 standards and deliver accessible experiences for every user. Get expert support from our accessibility specialists today.
Section 508 is a U.S. federal requirement ensuring that all electronic and information technology (EIT) used by government agencies is accessible to people with disabilities. This includes websites, software, PDFs, multimedia, hardware, and digital services.
2. Who must follow Section 508 requirements?
All federal agencies must comply, along with any vendors, contractors, or organizations providing digital products or services to the U.S. government. If your business sells software, web tools, or digital content to government clients, Section 508 applies to you.
3. What is Accessibility Testing in Section 508?
Accessibility Testing evaluates whether digital content can be used by people with visual, auditory, cognitive, or mobility impairments. It includes automated scanning, manual checks, assistive technology testing (screen readers, magnifiers, voice tools), and document accessibility validation.
4. What is the difference between Section 508 and WCAG?
Section 508 is a legal requirement in the U.S., while WCAG is an international accessibility standard. The Section 508 Refresh aligned most requirements with WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA, meaning WCAG success criteria form the basis of 508 compliance.
5. How do I test if my website is Section 508 compliant?
A full evaluation includes:
Automated scans for quick issue detection
Manual testing for keyboard navigation, structure, and labeling
Screen reader and assistive technology testing
Document accessibility checks (PDFs, Word, PowerPoint)
Reviewing WCAG criteria and creating a VPAT or ACR report
What tools are used for Section 508 testing?
Popular tools include Axe, WAVE, Lighthouse, ARC Toolkit, JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack, PAC 2021 (PDF testing), and color contrast analyzers. Most organizations use a mix of automated and manual tools to cover different requirement types.
