Making your Shopify store accessible (WCAG guide)
An accessible Shopify store can be used by everyone, including people using screen readers or keyboards. Aim for WCAG 2.2 AA: good colour contrast, descriptive alt text, clear labels on forms, keyboard navigation, readable text sizes and no content that relies on colour alone. Accessibility also helps SEO and conversion.
By Abdullah Ashraf, Shopify expert · Last updated: October 2026
Quick summary
- Aim for WCAG 2.2 AA.
- Contrast, alt text, labels and keyboard access matter most.
- Accessible stores often convert better.
Quick wins
- Colour contrast of at least 4.5:1 for text
- Descriptive alt text on product images
- Labels on every form field
- Visible focus outlines for keyboard users
- Buttons and links with clear names
Test your store
Try navigating with only the keyboard, use a screen reader, and run automated checks. Automated tools catch only some issues.
Why it matters
Under the Equality Act, businesses should make reasonable adjustments for disabled customers. Accessibility also improves usability for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Are Shopify themes accessible?
Shopify's own themes aim to be, but customisations and apps can introduce issues.
Do accessibility overlay apps work?
They can't fix underlying problems. Fixing the theme is better.
Let's grow your store
Tell me what you sell and where you're stuck. You'll get honest advice and a fixed quote, even if we don't end up working together.