ariainvalid

ariainvalid is a nonstandard term that commonly refers to the ARIA attribute aria-invalid used in web accessibility. The canonical term and use in the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI-ARIA) is aria-invalid. This attribute indicates that the value entered in a form control is invalid, helping assistive technologies communicate the error state to users.

How it works

aria-invalid is a boolean attribute applied to form elements or controls that accept user input. When the input is invalid, developers set aria-invalid="true" (or simply present the attribute in boolean form). If the input is valid, aria-invalid may be omitted or set to "false." The attribute is frequently used in conjunction with error messaging elements and roles, often paired with aria-describedby to reference a descriptive message that explains the validation error.

Relation to validation

aria-invalid does not perform validation itself. It is an accessibility indicator that signals to screen readers and other assistive technologies that the current value is not acceptable. It should reflect the actual validation state, whether validated on the client side or by a server. It is beneficial when combined with visible cues and explicit error messages, but it should not replace native HTML validation where available.

Usage guidelines

Use aria-invalid only after a validation check determines an error; remove or reset it when the input becomes valid. Provide clear, concise error text and associate it with the input via aria-describedby. Avoid misusing the attribute for non-error states and ensure that updates are synchronized with the user’s actions, such as after a field is edited or upon submission.

Compatibility and notes

Most modern screen readers recognize aria-invalid, but experiences can vary across assistive technologies. It is best used as a supplement to native validation and not as a sole mechanism for enforcing correctness.