Technique H44:Using label elements to associate text labels with form controls

Applicability

HTML and XHTML controls that use external labels

This technique relates to:

Description

The objective of this technique is to use the label element to explicitly associate a form control with a label. A label is attached to a specific form control through the use of the for attribute. The value of the for attribute must be the same as the value of the id attribute of the form control.

The id attribute may have the same value as the name attribute, but both must be provided, and the id must be unique in the Web page.

This technique is sufficient for Success Criteria 1.1.1, 1.3.1 and 4.1.2 whether or not the label element is visible. That is, it may be hidden using CSS. However, for Success Criterion 3.3.2, the label element must be visible since it provides assistance to all users who need help understanding the purpose of the field.

An additional benefit of this technique is a larger clickable area for the control, since clicking on the label or the control will activate the control. This can be helpful for users with impaired motor control.

Note that the label is positioned after input elements of type="checkbox" and type="radio".

Elements that use explicitly associated labels are:

  • input type="text"
  • input type="checkbox"
  • input type="radio"
  • input type="file"
  • input type="password"
  • textarea
  • select

The label element is not used for the following because labels for these elements are provided via the value attribute (for Submit and Reset buttons), the alt attribute (for image buttons), or element content itself (button).

  • Submit and Reset buttons ( input type="submit" or input type="reset")
  • Image buttons ( input type="image")
  • Hidden input fields ( input type="hidden")
  • Script buttons (button elements or <input type="button">)

Examples

Example 1: A text input field

The text field in the example below has the explicit label of "First name:". The label element's for attribute matches the id attribute of the input element. 

<label for="firstname">First name:</label> 
<input type="text" name="firstname" id="firstname" />

Example 2: A checkbox

<input type="checkbox" id="markuplang" name="computerskills" checked="checked">
<label for="markuplang">HTML</label>

Example 3: A group of radio buttons

A small, related group of radio buttons with a clear description and labels for each individual element.

To provide clear associations and instructions for a large set of related radio buttons , should be considered.

 <h1>Donut Selection</h1>

<p>Choose the type of donut(s) you would like then select 
   the "purchase donuts" button.</p>

<form action="http://example.com/donut" method="post">
<p>
  <input type="radio" name="flavor" id="choc" value="chocolate" />
    <label for="choc">Chocolate</label><br/>
  <input type="radio" name="flavor" id="cream" value="cream"/>
    <label for="cream">Cream Filled</label><br/>
  <input type="radio" name="flavor" id="honey" value="honey"/>
    <label for="honey">Honey Glazed</label><br/>
  <input type="submit" value="Purchase Donuts"/>
</p>
</form>

Other sources

No endorsement implied.

Tests

Procedure

For all input elements of type text, file or password, for all textareas and for all select elements in the Web page:

  1. Check that there is a label element that identifies the purpose of the control before the input, textarea, or select element
  2. Check that the for attribute of the label element matches the id of the input, textarea, or select element
  3. Check that the label element is visible.

For all input elements of type checkbox or radio in the Web page::

  1. Check that there is a label element that identifies the purpose of the control after the input element
  2. Check that the for attribute of the label element matches the id of the input element
  3. Check that the label element is visible.

Expected Results

  • Checks #1 and #2 are true. For Success Criterion 3.3.2, Check #3 is also true.