WCAG Guideline 2.3.3: Animation from Interactions Explained
Estimated read time: 6–7 minutes
Guideline 2: Operable
The Operable principle ensures that all users can interact with and control web content, regardless of their abilities. This includes protecting users from unnecessary motion that could cause discomfort or distraction.
Guideline 2.3: Seizures and Physical Reactions
Guideline 2.3 focuses on preventing content that could trigger seizures or other physical reactions, including motion sensitivity from animations.
What Is Guideline 2.3.3 Animation from Interactions?
"Motion animation triggered by interaction can be disabled, unless the animation is essential to the functionality or the information being conveyed."
Guideline 2.3.3 Animation from Interactions is a Level AAA requirement in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) .
- Users must be able to turn off non-essential motion animations triggered by their actions (e.g., scrolling, clicking, hovering).
- Exceptions: animations essential to functionality or information.
- Applies to parallax effects, smooth scrolling, transitions, and other UI animations.
This ensures users can disable non-essential motion animation and have a comfortable experience.
For more, see AccessGuide: Moving Content .
Why Does It Matter?
- Inclusivity: Motion animation can cause discomfort or trigger vestibular disorders in some users.
- Legal Compliance: Animation from Interactions is a Level AAA requirement in WCAG 2.1 and 2.2.
- Usability: Prevents discomfort and improves experience for all users.
For more, see W3C’s guidance on animation from interactions .
What Needs to Support Animation Control?
- Buttons and toggles
- Sliders and carousels
- Any feature with motion animation triggered by interaction
All must provide a way to disable non-essential motion animations.
How to Make Animation from Interactions Accessible
- Allow users to disable non-essential motion animation
- Use safe animation techniques
- Document animation policies
- Test with users who are sensitive to motion
For more, see the W3C's Animation from Interactions Techniques .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- No way to disable motion animation
- Animation essential to functionality not documented
- Not testing with users who are sensitive to motion
Differences Between A, AA, and AAA for Guideline 2.3.3 in WCAG 2.2
- Level A: Not applicable for this guideline.
- Level AA: Not applicable for this guideline.
- Level AAA: Requires users can disable motion animation triggered by interaction, unless essential. This is the core requirement for 2.3.3 and is mandatory for AAA conformance.
For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 2.3.3 Animation from Interactions .
Quick Checklist
- Users can disable non-essential motion animation
- Animation policies are documented
- Tested with users who are sensitive to motion
Summary
Guideline 2.3.3 is essential for preventing discomfort and supporting users with motion sensitivity. By allowing users to disable non-essential animation, you support users with disabilities, improve usability, and meet legal requirements. Test your site regularly and make animation control a core part of your development process.