Inappropriate HTML Justified Text Check

Description

The “Inappropriate HTML Justified Text Check” evaluates whether there is any block of text aligned using full justification (i.e., flush with both left and right margins).

Example outcome

I found 1 instance using justified text via HTML.

Impact

• Visual Impairments: People with visual impairments may rely on consistent spacing for readability, and irregular justification can reduce effectiveness of assistive tech.
• Cognitive Disabilities: Users with learning or attention challenges may struggle to track text due to uneven word spacing.
• Dyslexia: Irregular spacing between words can cause visual distortion and “rivers” of white space, making reading much more difficult.
• Elderly: Age-related visual impairments can compound the challenges of reading justified text.

Fixes

To address text inappropriately justified:

1. Locate the inappropriately justified block of text.
2. Replace both inline attributes align="justify" or style="text-align: justify;" by style="text-align: left;".

Resources

• WCAG 2.2: Understanding Success Criteria 1.4.8
• WCAG 2.2 Techniques: Technique F88: Failure of Success Criterion 1.4.8 due to using text that is justified (aligned to both the left and the right margins)
• WebAIM: Text/Typographical Layout