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Re: use of CSS z-index property to hide content

for

From: Mike Moore
Date: Oct 12, 2004 9:07AM

The only drawbacks to this method that I have seen are a few mentions on
this discussion list that these methods may result in lower search engine
ratings. This seems to be more prevalent with methods that make the label
the same color as the background, move it off of the page, or reduce the
size of the label to a single pixel. Search engines don't like hidden
content because it has been used to attempt to manipulate search engines. I
haven't seen or tested anything that uses layered divs - sounds like a good
idea. Personally I am still using the title attribute on fields where I
cannot use a label. The classic examples are multiple text boxes for
telephone number entry or in the US for social security number entry. To
get around the problems on telephone numbers I now just use a single box and
then support it with backend processing to get the number into the format
that I desire. Of course that doesn't help if they don't provide all of the
numbers.

Mike

-----Original Message-----
From: steven.faulkner [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ]
Sent: Monday, October 11, 2004 12:16 AM
To: WebAIM Discussion List
Subject: [WebAIM] use of CSS z-index property to hide content


Hi i have been following a discussion at Juicy Studios about invisible form
prompts http://www.juicystudio.com/invisible-form-prompts.asp
I had a look at this issue myself and found that that the CSS z-index
property can be used to place elemnts (e.g. labels) behind other elements
(effectively hiding them from visual display, but still available to screen
readers)

code example:
poot


I have tested the display in various browsers and screen readers and have
found no issues (so far).
does any one have any thoughts on this method?

with regards

Steven Faulkner
Web Accessibility Consultant
National Information &amp; Library Service (NILS)
454 Glenferrie Road
Kooyong Victoria 3144
Phone: (613) 9864 9281
Fax: (613) 9864 9210
Email: <EMAIL REMOVED>

National Information Library Service
A subsidiary of RBS.RVIB.VAF Ltd.

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