Reflow
Summary:
WCAG 1.4.10, "Reflow," is about ensuring web content can adapt to different screen sizes and orientations without losing information or functionality. This guideline is vital for users who rely on zooming in for readability, as well as for those accessing content on a variety of devices with different screen sizes.
What:
The criterion requires that content be able to reflow into a single column when zoomed up to 400% without the need for scrolling in two dimensions. This means users shouldn't have to scroll both vertically and horizontally to read a line of text or interact with content.
Why:
Reflow capability makes content more accessible for people with visual impairments who need to enlarge text and for those using mobile devices or smaller screens. It ensures that enlarging text or changing screen orientation doesn't make content difficult or impossible to navigate.
Examples and Scenarios:
- Responsive Websites: A website should adapt its layout so users can read text and interact with all elements just by scrolling vertically at increased zoom levels.
- Online Forms: Forms should be viewable and usable without needing to scroll horizontally when text size is increased.
- E-commerce Sites: Product listings and descriptions should reflow to remain fully accessible on different devices and zoom levels.
How to Comply:
- Websites: Use responsive web design techniques to ensure content reflows correctly. CSS media queries can be particularly useful for adapting layout based on zoom level and screen size.
- Mobile Apps: Design layouts that are flexible and can adapt to different screen sizes and orientations seamlessly.
- Digital Documents: Ensure documents reflow when text size is increased, especially for PDFs and other commonly used formats.
Exceptions:
- Complex Data Tables: Some complex data tables might not be able to reflow into a single column while maintaining their meaning or functionality.
- Specialized Content: Certain types of content that require two-dimensional layout for usage or meaning, such as maps and data visualizations, are exempt.