WCAG Guideline 3.2.4: Consistent Identification Explained
Estimated read time: 5–6 minutes
Guideline 3: Understandable
The Understandable principle ensures that web content is clear and predictable, including how controls and components are identified.
Guideline 3.2: Predictable
Guideline 3.2 focuses on making web pages behave in ways users expect, especially regarding controls and repeated elements.
What Is Guideline 3.2.4 Consistent Identification?
"Components that have the same functionality within a set of Web pages are identified consistently."
Guideline 3.2.4 requires that controls, icons, and components that perform the same function are labeled and identified the same way across your site.
- Helps users learn and recognize controls
- Essential for users with cognitive and visual disabilities
- Applies to all repeated controls, icons, and components
For more, see BOIA: WCAG 3.2.4 Consistent Identification .
Why Does It Matter?
- Cognitive Disabilities: Consistency reduces confusion and cognitive load
- Screen Reader Users: Predictable labels aid navigation
- All Users: Familiarity improves usability and trust
For more, see W3C’s guidance on Consistent Identification .
What Needs to Be Consistently Identified?
- Buttons with the same function (e.g., "Submit", "Search")
- Icons representing the same action (e.g., print, download)
- Links to the same destination
- Form controls with the same purpose
How to Meet Guideline 3.2.4
- Use the same text, icon, and label for controls with the same function
- Avoid using different labels or icons for the same action
- Test your site for consistent identification of controls
- Use templates or components for repeated controls
For more, see the W3C's Consistent Identification Techniques .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using different labels or icons for the same function
- Changing the identification of controls between pages
- Not using templates or shared components for controls
Differences Between A, AA, and AAA for Guideline 3.2.4 in WCAG 2.2
- Level AA: Requires consistent identification of controls and components.
- Level AAA: No additional requirements for 3.2.4.
- Level A: Not applicable (3.2.4 is a Level AA requirement).
For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 3.2.4 Consistent Identification .
Quick Checklist
- Controls with the same function have the same label and icon
- Repeated components are identified consistently across the site
- Templates or components are used for controls
- Tested for consistency with assistive technology
Summary
Guideline 3.2.4 ensures that users can recognize and use controls confidently. Consistent identification is key to accessibility and usability.
Consistency is clarity—make your controls easy to recognize and use for everyone!