Accessible Web Design with TYPO3: A Comprehensive Guide

TYPO3 is a powerful open source content management system. Many organizations, including universities, government agencies and large companies, use it. One of its main advantages is that it makes it easy to create accessible websites from the ground up.

With TYPO3, accessibility does not have to be "added" after the fact. Instead, it is integrated into the structure of the system, the management of content and the way developers work.

Clean Code and Semantic Structure

TYPO3 uses a template system called Fluid, which helps developers to create clean, semantic HTML code. Assistive technologies such as screen readers need clear code to understand the content of a page.

TYPO3 helps you to implement the following things immediately:

• Use correct heading levels and content hierarchies.
• Separate content and design to create a clearer structure.structure.
• If required, add ARIA attributes and other accessibility tools as needed
• Avoid cluttered codethat confuses assistive tools

This gives your website a solid technical foundation that supports users of all abilities.

Accessible Content Management

One of TYPO3's strengths is that it helps content editors follow accessibility best practices. This is true even if they don't have a technical background. For example, TYPO3 makes it easy to do the following:

• ALT text for images
• Use clear link texts instead of vague wording like "click here"
• Use correct headings in content elements
• Create lists and tablesthat can be read by screen readers

The TYPO3 backend can warn editors if something is missing or not formatted correctly. This helps avoid accessibility issues before they go live.

TYPO3 Backend That Supports All Users

TYPO3 doesn't just focus on the front-end experience. The backend interface, where editors and administrators work, also takes accessibility into account. It supports:

• Keyboard navigation so that users who cannot use a mouse can still find their way around
• A clear layout with good contrast and legible text
• Compatibility with screen readers and assistive tools

This means that not only visitors to your website benefit from accessibility, but your team can also work more easily.

Creating an accessible website with TYPO3 is more than just ticking boxes. It's about carefully considering how each individual user will use your website. TYPO3 allows you to implement accessibility on both the development and content side.

Here's how to do it, step by step:

1. Use Semantic HTML with Fluid Templates

TYPO3 promotes clean, semantic code through its Fluid template engine. This helps developers to,TYPO3 templates that follow a correct HTML structure, which is crucial for accessibility.

• Use correct heading levels (<h1> to <h6>) in the correct order.
• Mark up content correctly with paragraphs, lists and tables.
• Avoid using divs and spans when semantic elements such as <nav>, <article> or <main> are more appropriate.

Screen readers use this structure to understand your pages. A clear structure makes navigation easier for users.

2. Make Images and Media Meaningful

Every image on your website should have an ALT text that describes its purpose. TYPO3 makes this easy by prompting editors to add alternative descriptions when uploading media.

• Use empty ALT text (alt="") for decorative images so that screen readers skip them.
• Provide clear, concise descriptions for meaningful images.
• If possible, add captions or transcripts for audio and video content.

These small steps will help users who can't see or hear your media to understand its purpose.

3. Ensure Full Keyboard Navigation

Many users use a keyboard instead of a mouse to navigate a website. Your TYPO3 website should be fully keyboard navigable.

This means:

• All interactive elements (menus, buttons, links) should be focusable and operable with the tab key.
• The focus should move in a logical sequence.
• Focus indicators (such as outlines) must be visible so that users can see where they are on the page.

TYPO3's frontend templates can be customized to meet these requirements, and TYPO3 extensions can help with managing focus states.

4. Build Accessible Forms

Forms are a common weak point in terms of accessibility, but TYPO3 gives you the tools to get them right.

• Label each input field clearly with label tags.
• Provide helpful error messages that explain what went wrong and how to fix it.
• Use field groups and labels for grouped options such as checkboxes or radio buttons.
• Make sure that forms can only be filled out using the keyboard.

TYPO3's form framework supports these features and can be further extended to meet stricter standards.

5. Design Accessible Components

Interactive components such as menus, sliders, accordions and modals require special attention.

• Use ARIA roles and attributes to explain what these components do.
• Enable keyboard control (e.g. opening a drop-down menu with the arrow keys).
• Ensure that modals can be opened, navigated and closed without a mouse.
• Never rely on hover effects alone, but always offer alternatives to clicking or focusing.

TYPO3 does not limit design options and gives developers full control over how they create components. This makes it easier to enforce accessibility

Even the most accessible website can be inadequate if the content has not been created with accessibility in mind. TYPO3 provides editors with the right tools, but how they are used makes all the difference.

Here's how content editors can ensure that every page they create is usable for everyone:

Use Clear, Structured Headings

Headings help users (and screen readers) understand the structure of a page. They act like signposts and guide visitors through your content.

In TYPO3:

• Always use heading elements in the correct order, starting with an <h1>, followed by <h2>, <h3>, etc.
• Don't just choose a heading because it "looks good" in size. Use it because it fits the structure of the content.

Good headings improve readability for everyone, especially for users who rely on screen readers or keyboard navigation.

Write Meaningful Link Text

Avoid vague wording such as "Click here" or "Read more". Screen reader users often hear links without context, so the link text should describe exactly where the link is located (ALT). Examples of texts:

• "Download the annual report 2025 (PDF)"
• "Learn more about our accessibility policy"

TYPO3's link editor makes it easy to enter clear, descriptive texts. Make good use of this option.

Add ALT Text to All Images

Every image you upload to TYPO3 should have an alternative (ALT) text text. This short description helps users who cannot see the image to understand its purpose.

Tips:

• Keep it simple and specific.
• Describe the function, not just the appearance (e.g. "Send button" instead of "Blue circle").
• If an image is purely decorative, leave the ALT text blank.

TYPO3 prompts you to add an ALT text when uploading images. Do not skip this step.

Use Lists and Tables the Right Way

When displaying grouped content:

• Use bullets or numbered lists to organize content clearly.
• Use HTML tables suitable for data and always add table headings.

TYPO3's rich text editor will help you to insert these correctly. Just make sure that the content is meaningful and well structured.

Avoid Wall-of-Text Pages

Large blocks of text are difficult to read for everyone, especially users with cognitive or learning disabilities.

Make your content easier to understand by:

• using short paragraphs
• adding subheadings to divide topics
• highlighting important points with bold print or lists

A good structure is not just a question of design, but also a question of accessibility.

Think About Language and Clarity

TYPO3 supports multilingual content, which is great, but make sure that the correct language tag is set for each page. Screen readers rely on this to pronounce words correctly.

Also try to:

• Use the simplest language possible.
• Explain abbreviations and jargon.
• Keep instructions and messages clear and concise.

Check Before You Publish

Before you click "Publish", take a quick look:

• Are the headlines in the right order?
• Do all images have ALT text?
• Are the links descriptive?
• Is the content easy to read?

Some TYPO3 installations have extensions that can find common accessibility issues. Ask your administrator if these tools are available.

Accessibility is a shared responsibility. As a content editor, your daily decisions contribute to creating a better web experience for all users.