Writing & StyleStyle guide

Writing Accessible Carousel Rotation-Control Labels

Writing Accessible Carousel Rotation-Control Labels captures the APG’s explicit state-dependent action wording, which differs from the stable-label rule for switches.

Quick answer

For a carousel rotation control, label the action the button will perform next, such as “Stop slide rotation” or “Start slide rotation.”

Key details

Core IssueW3C APG says the carousel rotation control label changes to match the action the button will perform, such as stopping or starting slide rotation.
Registerweb accessibility and interface content

Important caveats

Scope Boundary

This page covers the rotation-control wording rule; autoplay timing, focus-triggered stopping, hover behavior, and button implementation are separate concerns.

Further guidance

Content

Write the rotation-control label as the next action—such as “Stop slide rotation” while rotation is running and “Start slide rotation” when it is stopped.

Purpose

An action-oriented changing label communicates both that automatic rotation is controllable and what activating the control will do next.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Carousel Pattern — WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices Guide (opens in a new tab)World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) · W3C APG guidance for carousel rotation-control labels and slide accessible names.

Related guides

Writing & Style

Writing Accessible Carousel Container Labels

Writing Accessible Carousel Container Labels records a distinct W3C APG-supported wording task while keeping implementation mechanics outside the writing guidance.

Writing & Style

Writing Accessible Carousel Slide Labels

Writing Accessible Carousel Slide Labels records the APG’s content-name preference and bounded numeric fallback without turning carousel implementation mechanics into writing advice.

Explore the topic