Accessibility Features in JSON Formatting Tools

Key areas of accessibility:

• Perceivable: Information and UI components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.
• Operable: UI components and navigation must be operable.
• Understandable: Information and the operation of UI must be understandable.
• Robust: Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.

1. Color Contrast and Themes

Sufficient color contrast between text and background is vital for users with visual impairments or color blindness. Accessible formatters offer themes (like high-contrast or dark mode) that meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)contrast requirements. Syntax highlighting colors should also be distinguishable.

// Example of high-contrast friendly syntax highlighting
{
  "key": "value", // Key: #FFFF00 (Yellow), Value: #00FF00 (Green)
  "number": 123,  // Number: #FF00FF (Magenta)
  "boolean": true // Boolean: #00FFFF (Cyan)
}

Look for tools that allow customization of syntax highlighting colors.

2. Keyboard Navigation

Users who cannot use a mouse must be able to access all features using only a keyboard. This includes:

• Tabbing through controls (text areas, buttons, options).
• Using arrow keys to navigate within the JSON text area.
• Activating buttons and links with the Enter/Space key.
• Accessing context menus or additional options via keyboard shortcuts.

Test a tool's keyboard navigation by trying to perform all actions (pasting, formatting, copying, validating) without touching your mouse.

3. Screen Reader Support

Screen readers (software used by visually impaired users to read digital text aloud) need well-structured and properly labeled web elements. Accessible JSON formatters should:

• Use semantic HTML or ARIA attributes to clearly label interactive elements (buttons, input fields).
• Announce significant updates, like validation errors or formatting success.
• Allow screen readers to navigate and read the content of the JSON text area effectively.

Ensure the input/output areas and action buttons are clearly identified by screen reader software.

4. Font Size and Readability

Users should be able to adjust the font size of the JSON text area without breaking the layout. Clear, readable fonts are also preferred. Features like line wrapping are helpful for preventing horizontal scrolling, which can be difficult for some users.

// Ensure long lines wrap correctly if feature is enabled
{
  "veryLongKeyNameThatCouldCauseHorizontalScrollingIfWrappingIsNotEnabled": "this is a long value that demonstrates the importance of line wrapping for readability",
  "anotherKey": "anotherValue"
}

Look for zoom functionality and settings to control text size and line wrapping.

5. Error Reporting and Feedback

Error messages should be clear, concise, and easily perceivable. Beyond just red highlighting, accessible formatters should:

• Provide specific error descriptions (e.g., "Missing comma at line 5, character 10").
• Indicate the error location clearly (line number, visual marker).
• Offer accessible notifications for success messages (e.g., "JSON formatted successfully").

Ensure error messages are not solely reliant on color and are announced by screen readers if needed.

Pro Tip:

Even if you don't currently use assistive technologies, testing tools with them can reveal usability issues that affect all users. Features designed for accessibility often improve the user experience for everyone.