axe DevTools

The industry-leading accessibility testing engine developed by Deque Systems, trusted by thousands of development teams worldwide for automated WCAG compliance testing.

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Tool Overview

Attribute Details
Developer Deque Systems
Tool Type Automated accessibility testing engine
Platforms Chrome, Firefox, Edge (browser extensions); Node.js; CI/CD integration
Pricing Free (axe-core, browser extension) / Paid (axe DevTools Pro)
Standards Tested WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 (A, AA, AAA); Section 508
Website deque.com/axe
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What is axe DevTools?

axe DevTools is a suite of accessibility testing tools built on the open-source axe-core engine. It provides automated detection of accessibility issues during the development process, helping teams identify and fix barriers before they reach production.

The axe-core engine powers accessibility testing in numerous tools and platforms, including Google Lighthouse, Microsoft Accessibility Insights, and many CI/CD pipelines. With zero false positives by design, axe helps developers trust their test results.

Deque Systems, a recognized leader in digital accessibility, has been developing accessibility solutions for over 20 years. Their expertise ensures that axe DevTools remains at the forefront of automated accessibility testing.

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Key Features & Capabilities

Automated Testing

Intelligent Guided Tests (IGT)

The Pro version includes Intelligent Guided Tests that walk users through semi-automated testing for issues that require human judgment, such as:

  • Image alt text quality assessment
  • Keyboard navigation and focus order
  • Form label associations
  • Color contrast in complex scenarios
  • Reading order verification

Developer Integration

  • Browser DevTools panel integration
  • Highlights issues directly on the page
  • Provides code-level fix suggestions
  • Export reports in multiple formats (CSV, JSON)
  • Integration with Jira and other issue trackers
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Installation & Setup

Browser Extension (Free)

  1. Visit the browser's extension store (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, or Edge Add-ons)
  2. Search for "axe DevTools"
  3. Click "Add to Browser" or "Install"
  4. Open Chrome DevTools (F12 or Right-click > Inspect)
  5. Navigate to the "axe DevTools" tab
  6. Click "Scan ALL of my page" to run a full accessibility audit

axe-core (npm package)

npm install axe-core

// In your test file:
const axe = require('axe-core');
axe.run(document, (err, results) => {
  console.log(results.violations);
});

CI/CD Integration

axe integrates with popular testing frameworks:

  • Jest: Use @axe-core/react or jest-axe
  • Cypress: Use cypress-axe plugin
  • Playwright: Use @axe-core/playwright
  • Selenium: Use axe-selenium
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What axe Tests For

WCAG Category Example Issues Detected
Perceivable Missing alt text, insufficient color contrast, missing form labels
Operable Missing skip links, keyboard traps, invalid focus management
Understandable Missing page language, form input errors, inconsistent navigation
Robust Invalid ARIA attributes, duplicate IDs, improper HTML structure

Important Limitation

Automated tools like axe can detect approximately 30-50% of all accessibility issues. Manual testing with screen readers and keyboard navigation is essential for comprehensive accessibility evaluation.

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Quick Facts

Best For: Developers integrating accessibility testing into their workflow

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

Time to Learn: 15-30 minutes

Output: Detailed issue reports with fix suggestions

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Pricing

Free Tier

  • axe-core open source library
  • Browser extension (basic scans)
  • Unlimited page scans

axe DevTools Pro

  • Intelligent Guided Tests
  • Advanced reporting
  • Team collaboration features
  • Priority support
  • Contact Deque for pricing
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Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Zero false positives
  • Easy integration with dev workflow
  • Excellent documentation
  • Active open-source community
  • Works with modern frameworks

Limitations

  • Cannot detect all issues (57% max)
  • Pro features require paid license
  • Requires some technical knowledge
  • Limited mobile testing support
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Best Practices for Using axe DevTools

During Development

  1. Test Early and Often: Run axe scans during development, not just before release
  2. Test Different States: Check modals, dropdowns, and dynamic content in their various states
  3. Use Partial Scans: Focus on specific components during development
  4. Review All Severity Levels: Address critical issues first, but don't ignore minor ones

In CI/CD Pipelines

  1. Fail Builds on Critical Issues: Configure thresholds to block deployments with serious violations
  2. Track Trends Over Time: Monitor accessibility scores across releases
  3. Test Key User Journeys: Focus automated tests on critical paths
  4. Combine with Manual Testing: Use automation as a first line of defense

Pro Tip

Create a baseline of known issues and work to reduce them over time. Don't try to fix everything at once - prioritize by impact and severity.

Need Help with Accessibility Testing?

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