Markdown Writing with Web Accessibility in Mind

Markdown is a lightweight markup language that uses simple and intuitive syntax to convert text into structured formats like HTML. It is widely used for blogging, documentation, and programming README files.

This article provides a detailed guide on the basic syntax of Markdown and how to write Markdown with a focus on web accessibility.

1. Markdown Basics

Key Syntax Overview

1. Headings
   Use # to indicate heading levels.

   # Heading 1
   ## Heading 2
   ### Heading 3
   

   Note: Maintain heading hierarchy without skipping levels for better web accessibility.

2. Emphasis

   • Bold: Use ** or __.

     **bold** or __bold__
     

   • Italics: Use * or _.

     *italic* or _italic_
     

3. Lists

   • Unordered lists: Use - or *.

     - Item 1
     - Item 2
     

   • Ordered lists: Use numbers followed by a period.

     1. Item 1
     2. Item 2
     

4. Links

   [Link Text](URL)
   

   Example: Greeden Corporation

5. Images

   ![Alt Text](Image URL)
   

   Note: Always include alt text to describe the image’s content or purpose for accessibility.

6. Code

   • Inline code: Use backticks (`).

     `inline code example`
     

   • Code block: Use triple backticks.
     Code block example

7. Blockquote
   Use > to create blockquotes.

   > This is a quote.
   

8. Tables
   Use pipes (|) and dashes (-) to create tables.

   | Column 1 | Column 2 |
   |----------|----------|
   | Data 1   | Data 2   |
   

2. Writing Accessible Markdown

Principles of Accessible Content

To ensure web accessibility, adhere to these principles when writing Markdown:

1. Maintain Logical Structure
   Use headings and lists properly to organize information logically.

2. Provide Alt Text for Visual Content
   Describe images or graphics for screen reader users.

3. Use Descriptive Link Text
   Avoid “click here” and use meaningful link descriptions.

4. Avoid Reliance on Color
   Do not convey essential information through color alone.

Examples of Accessible Markdown

1. Headings

Follow proper heading hierarchy without skipping levels.
Inappropriate:

# Heading 1
### Heading 3

Appropriate:

# Heading 1
## Heading 2
### Heading 3

2. Images

Include alt text to describe the content accurately.

![Logo of Web Accessibility](https://example.com/logo.png)

3. Links

Use descriptive link text that clearly explains the link destination.
Inappropriate:

[Click here](https://example.com)

Appropriate:

[Learn more about web accessibility here](https://example.com)

4. Tables

Make sure table headers are defined to organize data clearly.

| Product    | Price   | Stock Status |
|------------|---------|--------------|
| Product A  | ¥1,000  | In Stock     |
| Product B  | ¥2,000  | Out of Stock |

5. Avoid Reliance on Color

Provide additional cues beyond color to convey information.
Inappropriate:

"Please fix the text in red."

Appropriate:

"**Important: The text requiring edits is highlighted in red.**"

3. Tips for Enhancing Web Accessibility

Creating Accessible Content

• Test Your Markdown
  After converting Markdown to HTML, use accessibility tools to identify issues.

  • Examples: WAVE tool, Lighthouse.

• Simplify Structure
  Avoid overloading content with excessive decorations or complexity, ensuring clarity and readability.

4. Who Benefits?

Markdown Use Cases

• Web Developers and Writers
  Easily create structured documents without needing to write HTML manually.
• Technical Documentation Authors
  Efficiently document software or product manuals.
• Organizations Focused on Accessibility
  Reach a wider audience, including users with disabilities.

Conclusion

Markdown is widely used for its simplicity and versatility in web and documentation workflows. However, Markdown that ignores accessibility principles may exclude users. By following proper syntax and incorporating accessibility-friendly practices, you can create content that is inclusive and effective.

We offer UUU Web Accessibility, a tool designed to simplify the implementation of web accessibility. If you’re interested in improving accessibility, check it out!