Accessibility checker plugins in Figma - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Accessibility checker plugins help you find and fix design issues that make your Figma files hard to use for people with disabilities. They ensure your designs meet accessibility standards so everyone can use your product easily.

When you want to check color contrast to make text readable for users with vision impairments

When you need to verify that all interactive elements have accessible labels

When you want to ensure your design supports keyboard navigation

When you want to test if your design meets WCAG guidelines before handing off to developers

When you want to improve your design's inclusivity and usability for all users

Steps

Step 1: Open your design file

- Figma desktop app or web app

Your design file is visible and ready for review

Step 2: Click on the Resources icon (four dots) in the top toolbar

- Top toolbar in Figma

The Resources panel opens showing plugins and components

Step 3: Select the Plugins tab

- Resources panel

You see a list of available plugins

Step 4: Type 'Accessibility' in the search box

- Plugins tab search box

A list of accessibility checker plugins appears

Step 5: Click 'Install' on a plugin like 'Able' or 'Stark'

- Plugin listing

The plugin is added to your Figma account

Step 6: Run the installed plugin by right-clicking on the canvas and selecting Plugins > [Plugin Name]

- Canvas context menu

The plugin panel opens showing accessibility issues found in your design

Step 7: Review the issues and follow the plugin's suggestions to fix them

- Plugin panel

Your design updates to meet accessibility standards

Before vs After

Before

Design file with text colors that have low contrast and buttons missing labels

After

Design file with improved color contrast and all buttons having accessible labels

Settings Reference

Color Contrast Threshold

📍 Plugin settings panel

Sets the minimum contrast ratio required for text and background colors

Default: AA

Check Labels

📍 Plugin settings panel

Enables checking if interactive elements have accessible labels

Default: On

Keyboard Navigation Check

📍 Plugin settings panel

Checks if the design supports keyboard navigation

Default: On

Common Mistakes

Ignoring plugin warnings about low contrast

Users with vision impairments may not read the text clearly

Adjust colors to meet the contrast ratio recommended by the plugin

Running the plugin on only part of the design

Accessibility issues in other parts remain unnoticed

Run the plugin on the entire design or all relevant frames

Not installing or updating the plugin regularly

You miss new accessibility checks and improvements

Keep plugins updated and install trusted accessibility checkers

Summary

Accessibility checker plugins in Figma help find and fix design issues for users with disabilities.

They check color contrast, labels, and keyboard navigation to meet accessibility standards.

Always run the plugin on your full design and fix all reported issues to improve usability.