How to update WCAG 2.1 translations

Refer to the relevant process

To update a W3C technical report translation, you must follow the same process as for an initial translation:

Unofficial translations: Instructions for W3C technical reports translations
Authorized translations: Policy for Authorized W3C Translations

Considering the limited scope of the WCAG 2.1 update, we will do our best to ensure that the W3C’s steps run as smoothly as possible.

Browse the content changes

The easiest way to spot the changes between the two versions is to use a “diff checker” tool, such as the W3C HTML Diff service.

Use the following input values :

Address of reference document: https://www.w3.org/TR/2018/REC-WCAG21-20180605/
Address of new document: https://www.w3.org/TR/2023/REC-WCAG21-20230921/

You can use this direct link: Diff between 2018 and 2023 WCAG 2.1 versions, via W3C HTML diff service

We also recommend that you read the WCAG 2.1 Change log.

Update the translation

In January 2024, we have published a guide on translating WCAG 2: How to translate WCAG 2. It explains how to use the content in w3c/wcag repository to start translating WCAG.

If you want to use this method, refer to the WCAG21-20230921 tag to get the files of the 21 September 2023 version.

If starting over with this new method is overly complex for you, you can update your existing files.

(Authorized translations) Update the translation header

Each “Authorized Translation” must contain a translation header (also called “disclaimer”) at the top of the document. When updating a WCAG 2.1 translation, the following information will need update:

Date of publication: Translation publication date will be updated by W3C.
This version:: URI will be updated by W3C.
Most recent version:: Keep the existing URI. Example: https://www.w3.org/Translations/WCAG21-fr/
Previous version:: Dated URI of the initial translation. Example: https://www.w3.org/Translations/WCAG21-fr-20220711/
Please add and translate this new text.
Original version:: Use https://www.w3.org/TR/2023/REC-WCAG21-20230921/
Errata:: URI of an errata page. Please create and host a new errata page specific to this translation version.
Lead translating organization:: Update information when relevant.
Partners in the translation review:: Update URI as relevant.
Summary of public comments on the Candidate Authorized Translation:: Update URI as relevant.

Check your translation thoroughly

Please properly check your files before submission to W3C.

In particular, make sure that:

All links are valid. You can use W3C Link Checker
HTML is valid. You can use W3C Markup Validation Service
CSS is valid. You can use W3C CSS Validation Service
Pages are internationalization-friendly. You can use W3C Internationalization Checker
All relevant content has been properly translated
All ids are in English; that is, they have not been translated.
- If you have followed How to Translate WCAG 2 – Get the source files, this should be fine.
- If you have translated WCAG 2 before January 2024, you might want to check this.
lang and xml:lang attributes of the <html> tag are correct
hreflang attribute has been added to links when relevant
lang attribute has been used when relevant (especially when some text has been kept in English)
The links/anchors of the original and translated versions match.
“Jump to table of contents”, “Collapse sidebar” and “Hide sidebar” have been translated.
There is no code showing in the rendered page.
No custom CSS has been added.
(Authorized translation) An errata has been created and is hosted on the Lead Translation Organization (LTO)’s website.