WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

E-mail List Archives

Re: use of <pre> tag

for

From: Nathalie Sequeira
Date: Nov 5, 2010 2:30AM


Hi Julie & welcome,

> Quick question:
> Is the use of the <pre> tag for presenting (non tabular data) content
> accessible?
>
A short illustration:
Recently, I had the case of a (short!) <pre/>'d section of text and
after seeing it in action - how it will not reflow when enlarged
(causing ugly overlaps on sidebars & horizontal scroll when moving
towards 200% enlargement on a 1024x768px resolution), decided against
using it.

And a short thought on the matter:
"Accessible" is a very relative term and per se can mean anything from
being able to access the content at all (e.g. text graphics without
alternatives for vision impaired/blind users), compliance with standards
or legal requirements, all the way to a pleasant, easy user experience
for all.
So it also depends on what you're aiming for :)

HTH
Nathalie