Code Fix Guide

How to Fix CSS Text Spacing for Accessibility

WCAG 1.4.12 requires that content doesn't break when users override text spacing properties. Many websites use fixed-height containers, overflow:hidden, or absolute positioning that clips text when spacing is increased — making content unreadable for users with dyslexia and other reading disabilities.

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

Fixed height container clips text when spacing increases

Problem

.card {
  height: 200px;
  overflow: hidden;
}

Fix

.card {
  min-height: 200px; /* Use min-height instead */
  /* Remove overflow: hidden on text containers */
}

Button with fixed height breaks with increased line-height

Problem

.button {
  height: 40px;
  line-height: 40px;
  overflow: hidden;
}

Fix

.button {
  padding: 8px 16px;
  /* Let height be determined by content + padding */
  /* No fixed height or line-height needed */
}

Why This Matters

Text spacing issues violate WCAG 1.4.12 (Text Spacing). Users must be able to override: line-height to 1.5x font size, paragraph spacing to 2x font size, letter-spacing to 0.12em, and word-spacing to 0.16em — without loss of content. Use flexible CSS layouts with min-height, padding, and relative units.

Related WCAG Criteria

1.4.12Text Spacing

Level AA — Perceivable

Find All Your Accessibility Issues Automatically

ADA CodeFix scans your website for WCAG 2.1 AA violations and generates AI-powered code fixes — not vague descriptions, actual code you can copy-paste.

Scan Your Site Free

No credit card required AI-generated code fixes

More Code Fix Guides

How to Fix Missing Alt Text on Images

Missing alt text is the #1 accessibility violation. Learn how to add proper alt attributes to images with code examples and an automated scanner.

How to Fix Low Color Contrast in CSS

Low color contrast is found on 80%+ of websites. Learn the WCAG contrast ratios, test your colors, and fix CSS contrast issues with code examples.

How to Fix Missing Form Input Labels

Form fields without labels are inaccessible to screen reader users. Learn how to properly label inputs with HTML label elements and ARIA attributes.

How to Fix Empty Links and Buttons

Empty links and buttons with no accessible text are a top accessibility violation. Learn how to add descriptive text and ARIA labels with code examples.

How to Fix HTML Heading Structure

Skipped heading levels and missing H1 tags hurt both SEO and accessibility. Learn how to create a proper H1-H6 hierarchy with code examples.

How to Fix Keyboard Navigation and Focus Issues

If your website can't be navigated with a keyboard, it's inaccessible. Learn how to fix tab order, focus styles, keyboard traps, and custom components.