1.4.12 Text Spacing
Official description of the success criterion
In content implemented using markup languages that support the following text style properties, no loss of content or functionality occurs by setting all of the following and by changing no other style property:
- Line height (line spacing) to at least 1.5 times the font size;
- Spacing following paragraphs to at least 2 times the font size;
- Letter spacing (tracking) to at least 0.12 times the font size;
- Word spacing to at least 0.16 times the font size.
Exception: Human languages and scripts that do not make use of one or more of these text style properties in written text can conform using only the properties that exist for that combination of language and script.
What to do?
Ensure content is readable and operable when users adjust spacing.
Note - this criterion doesn't necessarily require you to have these sizes in use but it requires that you allow the user to change them according to their needs.
Why is it important?
Supports readability for users with dyslexia and other cognitive disabilities.
Common pitfalls
Sometimes developers use "!important" for CSS styles. Those cannot be overridden by the user.
How to test for it?
This can be tested in multiple ways. You can create a CSS snippet or you can use for example the Text spacing bookmarklet.