WCAG A/AA requirement Priority: Moderate
Some embedded files or media have no text description
Content embedded with an <object> tag, for example a PDF size chart, a catalogue, an interactive viewer or older media, has no text that says what it is.
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Why it matters to your customers
Screen reader users hear nothing useful, so they may not know that a size chart, catalogue or video is there and miss the information inside it.
Who is affected
- blind customers
- screen reader users
- people whose browser cannot display the embedded content
How to fix it
Give every <object> a text alternative: an aria-label or title that describes the content, aria-labelledby pointing to a visible heading, or fallback text inside the <object> element. For documents such as a PDF size chart, also add a normal link to the file and ideally put the key information on the page as HTML text. If the object is purely decorative, give it role="presentation" or role="none".
On Shopify
Rare in current themes; usually a PDF or media embed pasted into a page or product description, or added by an app. Add a title or aria-label in that HTML, or replace the embed with a link to the file.
On Shoptet (CZ)
Rare; usually HTML pasted into a product description or article. Add a title or replace the embed with a download link; for template code ask Shoptet or a partner.
On PrestaShop
Usually an embed in a CMS page or product description, or an older theme module. Add a title or fallback text in the content editor or in the module's .tpl template.
On WooCommerce
Usually a PDF viewer or embed plugin, or HTML pasted into a product description or page builder block. Check the plugin settings for a title option, or add aria-label in the embed code.
Standards
| Standard | Clause |
|---|---|
| WCAG 2.2 | 1.1.1 (A) Non-text Content |
| WCAG 2.1 | 1.1.1 (A) Non-text Content |
| WCAG 2.0 | 1.1.1 (A) Non-text Content |
| EN 301 549 4.1.1 | 9.1.1.1 |
| EN 301 549 3.2.1 | 9.1.1.1 |
| Section 508 2017 | E205.4 |
| ДСТУ EN 301 549 2022 | 9.1.1.1 |
Automated check: axe-core rule object-alt.
dequeuniversity.com, github.com, www.w3.org
Related checks
-
The page reloads or redirects by itself
WCAG 2.2.1 A
-
Images have no text description
WCAG 1.1.1 A
-
A label-and-value list is built incorrectly
WCAG 1.3.1 A
-
Keyboard users cannot reach some embedded content
WCAG 2.1.1 A