---
title: Content Alert
date: 2023-12-17T10:23:00-08:00
author: Zaida Jocson
canonical_url: "https://designsystem.umd.edu/components/content-alert"
section: Components
---
# Content Alert

Content Alerts show messaging about specific content on a page. They are context specific and can be used to draw attention to information about a common question or to provide reminders or announcements. 
Use for context-specific messaging on a page, such as reminders and announcements
## Dos
- Use for high-priority communication
- May be used multiple times on a page, but ideally only once
## Don'ts
- Don’t use with long messaging
## Variations

[View component playground: Content Alert](https://playground.designsystem.umd.edu/?path=/story/components-alerts-content-alert--content-alert)

## Accessibility

### Built in accessibility

**Keyboard Accessible**
Users are able to use the keyboard to navigate through focusable content including headline with a link and call to action link, using the ‘Tab’ key to navigate/focus and ‘Enter’ or ‘Spacebar’ to activate, close the alert, and focus can be moved away from the component. WCAG 2.1.1: Keyboard; WCAG 2.1.2: No Keyboard Trap This navigation is done in sequential and logical order. WCAG 2.4.3: Focus Order

**Hover and Focus State**
A headline with a link and call to action link each have distinctive styling on hover/focus to provide a visual cue to the user that the element is focused and there is an action that can be taken. WCAG 1.4.13: Content on hover or focus

**Color Contrast**
A contrast ratio of at least 4:5:1 between text and background color is ensured to enhance readability. WCAG 1.4.3: Contrast (minimum)

**Responsive**
The component scales in relation to the to the screen size to prevent truncating content and reflows properly when zoomed up to 200% without horizontal scrolling WCAG 1.4.10: Reflow

### Requirements for use

**Icon**
An icon should be used alongside color as an additional indicator of urgency. This ensures that the alert remains identifiable to users with color vision deficiencies WCAG 1.4.1: Use of Color; WCAG 1.1.1: Non-text Content

**Title**
Use a clear and concise title that describes the alert content. WCAG 2.4.6: Headings and Labels

**Body Text**
Write body text in clear and simple language. Avoid jargon, idioms, or complex language structures. WCAG: 3.1.5: Reading Level Use descriptive link text for any inline links within the alert. The link text should clearly indicate the destination or action. WCAG 2.4.4: Link Purpose (In Context) 

**Link**
Use effective text to describe what the link is and where it is taking the user. This should be clear, descriptive text that conveys the link content succinctly and the purpose and destination of the link. WCAG 2.4.9: Link Purpose (Link Only)Example of effective text (preferred): Learn more about Innovate Maryland Example of generic text (avoid): Learn moreDisclaimer: If the visible link text is not sufficiently descriptive, you can use an aria-label attribute to provide additional context for screen reader users. The aria-label should clearly describe the link's purpose and destination.If the visible text is not necessary for screen readers (e.g., it's redundant or less descriptive), consider using aria-hidden="true" on the visible text element. This ensures that screen readers will prioritize the aria-label.Example with aria-label and aria-hidden:<a href="https://example.com/innovate-maryland" aria-label="Learn more about Innovate Maryland"> 
  <span aria-hidden="true">Learn more</span> 
</a> This ensures that the link is accessible while maintaining concise visible text.

## Content Recommendations

For longer content, use a rich text component with appropriate headline styles.Recommended character limits
| Title | 60 characters (120 max) | 
| Text Block | 250 characters (500 max) | 
## Layout

The content alert can display anywhere on a page, but it is recommended to put it near an important action step or item that needs explanation.

[View Figma design: Alert](https://www.figma.com/file/YqgNlOMETaJbcI67sv8HUp/Downloadable-Components-File?type=design&node-id=119%3A14073&mode=design&t=aeA4SlHQ6W7nWBNq-1)

## Guidelines

Alerts should be placed in the content areas of pagesAlerts must have the ability to closeAlerts can be dismissed based on the length of time you want a user to see it