Website accessibility controls for text size contrast and keyboard use

Adjusting Text Size for Easier Reading

Look for a dedicated text size control on websites, often shown as an “A” symbol with one small and one large letter. These controls let you enlarge the words without changing the whole page layout. You might find this option in a settings panel, a sidebar, or a floating icon dedicated to accessibility. Picking a larger setting adjusts the main content text piece while leaving the webpage structure stable. When the site itself does not have a text resizing tool, the browser’s zoom feature becomes a useful alternative. On a computer, pressing Ctrl together with the plus key makes everything larger, including pictures and buttons.

Touchscreen users can pinch outward to get the same result. The zoom method works well on almost every site but it can sometimes wrap text differently or introduce horizontal scrolling. Checking the browser zoom level in the settings menu helps return to the default view when needed.

Improving Contrast for Better Visibility

Some sites include a contrast toggle that gives you a high-contrast look. It may be named “High Contrast” or simply have an icon shaped like a half-filled circle. Activating this makes text look much darker while the background turns very light or shows a white tone. This often sharpens the letters and helps visibility. Even when a contrast control is missing from a website, the device itself can adjust contrast. Operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS offer a high-contrast or “Increase Contrast” option in the accessibility section.

Enabling this setting applies stronger contrast to most apps and websites. Testing a few pages after turning it on helps decide whether the change improves readability without making other elements look washed out or harsh.

Checking Common Accessibility Controls

Before relying on a single method, it helps to confirm which accessibility features the website actually supports. Some sites place all controls in one menu, while others scatter them across different sections. Knowing where to look saves time and prevents frustration when a specific control is missing.

A quick checklist helps verify each accessibility control in under a minute. When a control is missing, your browser or device settings can often fill the gap. Keeping a mental note of which controls are available helps adjust faster on future visits.

Control Type	Where to Find It	Next Action
Text size slider	Accessibility menu or site settings	Drag the slider to a comfortable size and read a paragraph to test
High contrast toggle	Accessibility menu or display settings	Turn it on, then check if text and background are clearly separate
Keyboard navigation	No visible toggle; test by pressing Tab	Press Tab repeatedly to see if focus moves through links and buttons

Navigating Without a Mouse Using Keyboard Controls

Keyboard navigation lets you move through links, buttons, and form fields using only the Tab, Enter, and arrow keys. When you press Tab, a visible outline or highlight should appear around each interactive element. This focus indicator is essential for knowing where you are on the page. When the outline is faint or missing, check your browser’s accessibility settings for a “Always show focus ring” option. Some websites also support skip links, which are hidden shortcuts that jump past repeated navigation menus to the main content. Pressing Tab immediately after the page loads usually reveals a “Skip to content” link.

Using this link saves time when you are navigating the same menus repeatedly. When no skip link appears, you can still tab through each item, though it takes longer. Reporting the missing skip link to the website owner helps improve the site for all keyboard users.