Accessibility
· 13 checks — Landmarks, headings, alt text, forms, and link quality rolled into one auditable list.DLink & Button QualityAction13 issue(s) across 165 links and 18 buttonsFIX
| Element | Text | Issue | Suggested Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| https://sharkfest.wireshark.org/sfus | SharkFest US 2026 is coming to… | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| / | (empty) | empty | Add link text or aria-label |
| https://gitlab.com/wireshark/wireshark/ | Source Code | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://stratoshark.org | Stratoshark | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.youtube.com/@WireSharkFest | SharkFest YouTube | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://wiki.wireshark.org/ | Wiki | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://lists.wireshark.org/ | Mailing Lists | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://sharkfest.wireshark.org | SharkFest | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://sharkbytes.transistor.fm/ | Podcast | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://ask.wireshark.org/ | Ask Wireshark | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://discord.com/invite/ts9GZCjGj5 | Discord | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://gitlab.com/wireshark/wireshark/-… | Issue Tracker | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://gitlab.com/wireshark/wireshark/ | Source Code | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://stratoshark.org | Stratoshark | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.youtube.com/@WireSharkFest | SharkFest YouTube | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://wiki.wireshark.org/ | Wiki | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://lists.wireshark.org/ | Mailing Lists | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://sharkfest.wireshark.org | SharkFest | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://sharkbytes.transistor.fm/ | Podcast | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://ask.wireshark.org/ | Ask Wireshark | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://discord.com/invite/ts9GZCjGj5 | Discord | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://gitlab.com/wireshark/wireshark/-… | Issue Tracker | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://profitap.com | (empty) | empty | Add link text or aria-label |
| https://endace.com | (empty) | empty | Add link text or aria-label |
| https://opensource.google/ | (empty) | empty | Add link text or aria-label |
| https://www.recall.ai/careers?ashby_jid=… | (empty) | empty | Add link text or aria-label |
| https://npcap.com/ | (empty) | empty | Add link text or aria-label |
| /blog/2025-10-08-whats-new-in-wireshark-… | Read more | generic text | Replace with descriptive text |
Before: Read more Suggested: 2025 10 08 Whats New In Wireshark 46 | |||
| /blog/2025-09-08-wca-offer-sharkfest-eur… | Read more | generic text | Replace with descriptive text |
Before: Read more Suggested: 2025 09 08 Wca Offer Sharkfest Europe | |||
| /blog/2025-06-01-announcing-the-wireshar… | Read more | generic text | Replace with descriptive text |
Before: Read more Suggested: 2025 06 01 Announcing The Wireshark Certified Analyst Certification | |||
| https://www.endace.com/endaceprobe?utm_s… | Banner Ad 1 | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://profitap.com | Banner Ad 2 | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.fmad.io/ | Banner Ad 3 | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.recall.ai/careers?ashby_jid=… | Banner Ad 4 | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://2.na.dl.wireshark.org/win64/Wire… | Windows x64 Installer | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://2.na.dl.wireshark.org/win64/Wire… | Windows Arm64 Installer | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://2.na.dl.wireshark.org/win64/Wire… | Windows x64 PortableApps® | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://2.na.dl.wireshark.org/osx/Wiresh… | macOS Universal Disk Image | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://launchpad.net/~wireshark-dev/+ar… | Ubuntu | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://2.na.dl.wireshark.org/src/wiresh… | Source Code | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://2.na.dl.wireshark.org/win64/Wire… | Windows x64 Installer | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://2.na.dl.wireshark.org/win64/Wire… | Windows Arm64 Installer | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://2.na.dl.wireshark.org/win64/Wire… | Windows x64 PortableApps® | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://2.na.dl.wireshark.org/osx/Wiresh… | macOS Arm Disk Image | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://2.na.dl.wireshark.org/osx/Wiresh… | macOS Intel Disk Image | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://2.na.dl.wireshark.org/src/wiresh… | Source Code | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.htm… | GNU General Public License ver… | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-license… | GNU GPL FAQ | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://wiresharkfoundation.org/ | Wireshark Foundation | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://wiresharkfoundation.org/donate/ | making a donation! | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.youtube.com/@WireSharkFest | https://www.youtube.com/@WireS… | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://opensource.google/ | (empty) | empty | Add link text or aria-label |
| https://profitap.com | (empty) | empty | Add link text or aria-label |
| https://endace.com | (empty) | empty | Add link text or aria-label |
| https://www.recall.ai/careers?ashby_jid=… | (empty) | empty | Add link text or aria-label |
| https://gitlab.com/wireshark/wireshark/ | Source Code | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://stratoshark.org | Stratoshark | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.youtube.com/@WireSharkFest | SharkFest YouTube | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://wiki.wireshark.org/ | Wiki | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://lists.wireshark.org/ | Mailing Lists | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://sharkfest.wireshark.org | SharkFest | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://sharkbytes.transistor.fm/ | Podcast | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://ask.wireshark.org/ | Ask Wireshark | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://discord.com/invite/ts9GZCjGj5 | Discord | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://gitlab.com/wireshark/wireshark/-… | Issue Tracker | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://wiresharkfoundation.org/ | Wireshark Foundation | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://wiresharkfoundation.org/donate/ | Donate | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://wiresharkfoundation.org/privacy-… | Privacy Policy | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://bsky.app/profile/wireshark.bsky.… | bluesky | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://ioc.exchange/@wireshark | mastodon | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.facebook.com/WiresharkNews/ | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/wiresha… | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text | |
| https://www.youtube.com/@WireSharkFest | youtube | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
Links without text are announced as raw URLs by screen readers.
/; https://profitap.com; https://endace.com; https://opensource.google/; https://www.recall.ai/careers?ashby_jid=7b02811e-bc91-4ef2-925d-f56a5acac13b&…; https://npcap.com/; https://opensource.google/; https://profitap.com; https://endace.com; https://www.recall.ai/careers?ashby_jid=7b02811e-bc91-4ef2-925d-f56a5acac13b&…
Links with no accessible text (empty <a></a>, image-only no alt, icon-only no aria-label) are unidentifiable to screen readers.
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 2.4.4
Generic link text like 'click here' doesn't describe the destination.
/blog/2025-10-08-whats-new-in-wireshark-46 ("Read more"); /blog/2025-09-08-wca-offer-sharkfest-europe ("Read more"); /blog/2025-06-01-announcing-the-wireshark-certified-analyst-certification ("Read more")
Generic anchor text ('click here', 'read more', 'learn more') tells screen readers and search engines nothing about the destination.
Learn more ▾ ▴
Out-of-context lists of links read by AT (one navigation pattern) become useless when every link says 'click here'. Use the destination's title or topic as anchor text. Doubles as SEO win — Google passes anchor-text relevance to the destination.
Source: WCAG 2.4.4 / Google Search Central
Add '(opens in new tab)' to link text or aria-label.
https://sharkfest.wireshark.org/sfus; https://gitlab.com/wireshark/wireshark/; https://stratoshark.org; https://www.youtube.com/@WireSharkFest; https://wiki.wireshark.org/; https://lists.wireshark.org/; https://sharkfest.wireshark.org; https://sharkbytes.transistor.fm/; https://ask.wireshark.org/; https://discord.com/invite/ts9GZCjGj5 (+50 more)
Links with target="_blank" without rel="noopener" leak the originating page's window context — security and UX issue.
Learn more ▾ ▴
Without rel="noopener", the new tab can navigate the original tab via window.opener (tab-nabbing attack). Modern browsers default to noopener for target=_blank but only since recent versions. Always set rel="noopener noreferrer" explicitly.
Source: MDN target / OWASP
FFavicon & BrandingAction2 icon(s) detectedFIX
DWeb ManifestActionNot foundFIX
No web manifest found.
DDark Mode SupportActionNo dark mode signalsFIX
Detection limited to meta tags and inline styles.
DPrint StylesheetActionNo print stylesFIX
CLandmark StructureAction3 landmarksREVIEW
Screen reader users cannot quickly navigate to the primary content. Wrap your main content in <main>.
Without a <main> landmark, screen-reader users can't skip past the navigation to the page content — every page starts with re-reading the menu.
Learn more ▾ ▴
The <main> element marks the page's primary content area. Assistive tech offers a 'jump to main' shortcut — but only if <main> exists. Without it, every page navigation forces re-reading the header. Wrap your primary content in a single <main>.
Source: WAI-ARIA / WCAG 2.4.1
Add a skip link as the first focusable element so keyboard users can bypass repeated navigation.
Without a skip-nav link, keyboard users tab through every nav item before reaching content — every page, every visit.
Learn more ▾ ▴
WCAG 2.4.1 (Bypass Blocks) requires a mechanism to skip past repeated content. The standard implementation is a 'Skip to main content' link that's the first focusable element, visually hidden until focused. Three lines of HTML + four of CSS.
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 2.4.1
BHeading Hierarchy21 headings, 2 skip(s)REVIEW
- H1 The world's leading network protocol analyzer
- H6 Prepare and Pass the WCA! skipped
- H6 Get Certified - Wireshark Hands On Labs
- H6 Dr. Kelley Misata - Shift the Conversation: Open Source is Free, But Not Free-Free
- H4 What’s New In Wireshark 4.6?
- H4 Exclusive Offer for SharkFest’25 EUROPE Attendees
- H4 Announcing the Wireshark Certified Analyst (WCA) Certification
- H4 Struggling with Network Diagnostics?
- H4 Trusted by Millions Worldwide
- H4 20M+
- H4 100K+
- H4 20
- H3 Download Wireshark
- H5 Stable Release: 4.6.4 skipped
- H5 Old Stable Release: 4.4.14
- H5 Documentation
- H5 What platforms does Wireshark support?
- H5 Is Wireshark really free to use?
- H5 Where can I find tutorials and resources?
- H5 Still have questions? Visit our documentation or see the full FAQ.
- H2 Your download has started.
Skipping heading levels breaks the document outline. Screen readers may interpret missing levels as structural errors.
Skipping heading levels breaks the document outline — screen-reader users lose track of section nesting.
Learn more ▾ ▴
Screen reader users navigate by jumping between headings (H1 → H2 → H3). Skipping (H1 → H3) breaks the sense of hierarchy. Use sequential levels even if you don't like the default styling — restyle with CSS instead. WCAG 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships) treats this as an A failure.
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 1.3.1 / W3C WAI
Skipping heading levels breaks the document outline. Screen readers may interpret missing levels as structural errors.
Skipping heading levels breaks the document outline — screen-reader users lose track of section nesting.
Learn more ▾ ▴
Screen reader users navigate by jumping between headings (H1 → H2 → H3). Skipping (H1 → H3) breaks the sense of hierarchy. Use sequential levels even if you don't like the default styling — restyle with CSS instead. WCAG 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships) treats this as an A failure.
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 1.3.1 / W3C WAI
B404 Error PageHTTP 404, custom pageREVIEW
CColor Contrast (Screenshot)Action20 text elements analyzed, 2 fail WCAG AAREVIEW
Analyzes text contrast against the actual rendered page, including background images, gradients, and overlays that CSS-based tools cannot detect.
Show all checked elements (20)
| Element | Ratio | Required | FG | BG | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| h1 The world's leading … | 19.26:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #F5F5F5 | Pass |
| h2 Your download has st… | 19.26:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #F5F5F5 | Pass |
| h3 Download Wireshark | 19.26:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #F5F5F5 | Pass |
| title Wireshark • Go Dee… | 1.60:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #162F5E | Fail |
| a SharkFest US 2026 is… | 1.60:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #162F5E | Fail |
| a Download | 18.77:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #F2F2F3 | Pass |
| a Source Code | 18.62:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #F1F1F3 | Pass |
| a Release Notes | 17.92:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #EAEDF4 | Pass |
| a Stratoshark | 17.57:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #E6EBF5 | Pass |
| a Learn | 17.92:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #EAEDF4 | Pass |
| a User's Guide | 16.81:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #E0E6F5 | Pass |
| a Certifications | 18.62:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #F1F1F3 | Pass |
| a FAQ | 18.77:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #F2F2F3 | Pass |
| a SharkFest YouTube | 19.09:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #F4F4F4 | Pass |
| a About | 19.26:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #F5F5F5 | Pass |
| a Resources | 19.09:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #F4F4F4 | Pass |
| a Documentation | 19.26:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #F5F5F5 | Pass |
| a Wiki | 19.09:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #F4F4F4 | Pass |
| a Sample Captures | 18.95:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #F3F3F5 | Pass |
| a Tools | 19.26:1 | 4.5:1 | #000000 | #F5F5F5 | Pass |
Methodology: The top 20 text elements by font size were checked. Background color was sampled from the desktop screenshot using a 5-point pattern. WCAG 2.1 AA requires 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.
BLighthouse Accessibility AuditsScore 84/100 — 5 failing, 20 passedREVIEW
Accessibility
These checks highlight opportunities to improve the accessibility of your web app. Automatic detection can only detect a subset of issues and does not guarantee the accessibility of your web app, so manual testing is also encouraged.
Navigation
Properly ordered headings that do not skip levels convey the semantic structure of the page, making it easier to navigate and understand when using assistive technologies. Learn more about heading order.
Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.
| Failing Elements |
|---|
Prepare and Pass the WCA! section.grid > a.cursor-pointer > div.grid > h6.heading |
Stable Release: 4.6.4 li.item > details.wrapper > summary.title > h5.py-4 |
These are opportunities to improve keyboard navigation in your application.
Names and labels
Link text (and alternate text for images, when used as links) that is discernible, unique, and focusable improves the navigation experience for screen reader users. Learn how to make links accessible.
Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.
| Failing Elements |
|---|
header.sticky > nav.flex > div.flex > a.link header.sticky > nav.flex > div.flex > a.link |
div.flex > div.text-text > div.sponsor-level > a.partner-link div.flex > div.text-text > div.sponsor-level > a.partner-link |
div.flex > div.text-text > div.sponsor-level > a.partner-link div.flex > div.text-text > div.sponsor-level > a.partner-link |
div.flex > div.text-text > div.sponsor-level > a.partner-link div.flex > div.text-text > div.sponsor-level > a.partner-link |
div.flex > div.text-text > div.sponsor-level > a.partner-link div.flex > div.text-text > div.sponsor-level > a.partner-link |
div.flex > div.text-text > div.sponsor-level > a.partner-link div.flex > div.text-text > div.sponsor-level > a.partner-link |
These are opportunities to improve the semantics of the controls in your application. This may enhance the experience for users of assistive technology, like a screen reader.
Tables and lists
Screen readers have a specific way of announcing lists. Ensuring proper list structure aids screen reader output. Learn more about proper list structure.
Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.
| Failing Elements |
|---|
Windows x64 Installer
Windows Arm64 Installer
Windows x64 PortableApps®
macOS U… li.item > details.wrapper > div.pb-4 > ul.flex |
Screen readers require list items (`<li>`) to be contained within a parent `<ul>`, `<ol>` or `<menu>` to be announced properly. Learn more about proper list structure.
Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.
| Failing Elements |
|---|
Windows x64 Installer div.pb-4 > ul.flex > a.link > li.flex |
Windows Arm64 Installer div.pb-4 > ul.flex > a.link > li.flex |
Windows x64 PortableApps® div.pb-4 > ul.flex > a.link > li.flex |
macOS Universal Disk Image div.pb-4 > ul.flex > a.link > li.flex |
Ubuntu div.pb-4 > ul.flex > a.link > li.flex |
Source Code div.pb-4 > ul.flex > a.link > li.flex |
These are opportunities to improve the experience of reading tabular or list data using assistive technology, like a screen reader.
Best practices
One main landmark helps screen reader users navigate a web page. Learn more about landmarks.
Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.
| Failing Elements |
|---|
html html |
These items highlight common accessibility best practices.