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Axe DevTools

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axe DevTools (free extension)

Overview

Axe DevTools is a free browser extension used for evaluating and improving the accessibility of web content. Designed for Chrome and Edge (with limited support in Firefox), it scans web pages using the axe-core rules engine and provides actionable guidance for fixing issues aligned with WCAG and ARIA standards.

Axe DevTools helps faculty, developers, and content creators improve the accessibility of web content by automating the detection of issues such as poor color contrast, missing alternative text, and improper heading structure. It is useful for university websites, web applications, and course-related digital content. The tool highlights violations in context, explains violations found, and provides general guidance on how to fix them, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers.

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Key Features of the tool

  • Scan options (full or partial): Allows users to choose whether to scan the entire page or specific sections, depending on their testing needs.

  • Number of issues found on the page: Displays the total count of accessibility issues detected during the scan.

  • Severity of the issue: Categorizes each issue by impact level (e.g., critical, serious, moderate, minor) to help prioritize fixes.

  • Short description of the issues: Provides a clear, concise explanation of each issue.

  • Highlight the element on the page: Visually outlines the affected element directly on the webpage for easy identification.

  • Inspect the element: Opens the browser’s developer tools, letting you examine the underlying code of the problematic element.

  • How to fix the issues: Offers practical guidance and code examples to help resolve each issue.

  • More detailed information about the issue and WCAG rule violation: Links to in-depth documentation, including the relevant WCAG criteria and best practices for remediation.

  • Allows instructors to quickly scan individual pages in their course websites or online learning content to identify accessibility barriers that might affect students with disabilities.

  • Identify violations of WCAG 2.1 standards and receive guidance on fixing them.

  • Focus scans on specific page elements or sections during testing.

  • Learn from inline issue explanations and developer-friendly remediation tips.

  • Students creating web-based portfolios or digital projects can use the extension to test accessibility.

  • Helps students understand the importance of accessible design in their coursework and future professions.

  • The axe DevTools extension can detect some common accessibility problems, but it can’t catch everything. Some issues—like keyboard navigation problems, logical reading order, or meaning of content, and link text—require human judgment. So manual testing is still required.

  • Testing mobile apps or native software (axe DevTools is browser-based only).

  • Users who do not have a basic understanding of HTML or have not received training in digital accessibility may find the tool difficult to use. Although the extension provides detailed explanations of what specific rule violations mean, without this background, users may still find the feedback difficult to understand. The tool does give an accessibility score, which may still provide useful information even for non-technical users.

  • Content using an iframe may not be consistently scanned.

  • Some features, such as guided testing and report export, are only available in the Pro version.

  • The Firefox version has reduced functionality.

  • Use during the development of new Canvas templates, student-facing pages, or departmental sites.

  • Incorporate into student assignments focused on accessible web design.

  • Pair automated testing with manual review using screen readers and keyboard navigation.

  • Although the interface for the tool itself is designed to be usable by people with disabilities, the nature of some disabilities will prevent some users with disabilities from evaluating the issues it flags. For instance, blind users will not be able to determine whether the alternative text provided for images is accurate.

  • The tool does not replace the need for human judgment in assessing whether some issues it flags are truly barriers, but it can evaluate the accessibility of some things automatically. To determine with confidence whether a web page is accessible still requires manual testing and sometimes testing with assistive technologies.

Students have access to the same functionality as instructors.

Axe DevTools

Cost: Free 

A limited number of axe Monitor Pro licenses are available on request for those who have mastered the free version. Email tlos@vt.edu to request a pro license.

Status: Available

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