Duplicate Id Active
Serious - WCAG Level AA
What the Issue Is:
The accessibility issue arises when multiple elements on a webpage share the same id attribute value. This can lead to confusion for assistive technologies, such as screen readers, and can disrupt keyboard navigation. When an active element (like a button or input) has a non-unique id, it becomes ambiguous which element is being referenced, leading to potential errors in user interactions.
Why It Matters:
For users with disabilities, particularly those relying on screen readers or keyboard navigation, unique id attributes are crucial. Screen readers announce the id of elements, and if multiple elements share the same id, the user may receive incorrect or confusing information. Additionally, keyboard users may find it difficult to navigate through elements if they cannot differentiate between them based on their id values.
How to Fix It:
Identify Duplicate IDs: Review your HTML code to find elements with the same
id. You can use browser developer tools or accessibility auditing tools to help identify duplicates.Assign Unique IDs: Change the
idattributes of duplicate elements to ensure each one is unique. A common practice is to append a number or a descriptive suffix to theidto differentiate them.Update References: If any JavaScript or CSS references the old
id, make sure to update those references to match the new uniqueidvalues.
Best Practices:
Use descriptive
idvalues that reflect the purpose of the element. This not only helps with uniqueness but also improves code readability.Consider using a naming convention that includes context, such as
form-input-usernameorbutton-submit-order, to avoid future conflicts.
Common Mistakes:
Failing to check for duplicate
ids in dynamically generated content, such as lists or forms that may be generated based on user input.Not updating JavaScript or CSS selectors after changing
idvalues, which can lead to broken functionality on the page.