--- title: Overlay Card date: 2023-12-17T12:18:00-08:00 author: Zaida Jocson canonical_url: "https://designsystem.umd.edu/components/overlay-card" section: Components --- # Overlay Card Overlay Cards are used in groups and often lead to more content. They may be used to tease and link to editorial content (such as articles) or different sections of a website.  A visual card where text overlays the bottom of an image. Also available as a plain card with no image. ## Dos - Use as a featured card in combination with Standard Cards or List components - Use for content that needs stronger visual emphasis or when stronger visual elements are needed on a page ## Don'ts - Avoid using images with text  - Don’t use with low-resolution or low-quality visuals - Don’t make titles or text too long or they will cover up the image - If using without images, do not mix dark and light themed versions - Avoid very light images, especially with whites at the bottom of cards where text will lay. ## Variations [View component playground: Overlay Card](https://playground.designsystem.umd.edu/?path=/story/components-cards-overlay-card--default) ## Accessibility ### Built in accessibility **Keyboard Accessible** Users are able to use the keyboard to navigate through focusable content including a linked image, headline with a link, and call to action link, using the ‘Tab’ key to navigate/focus and ‘Enter’ or ‘Spacebar’ to activate.WCAG 2.1.1: Keyboard This navigation is done in sequential and logical order. WCAG 2.4.3: Focus Order **Hover and Focus State** A linked image, headline with a link, and call to action link each have their own 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 **Consistent** Styles are applied to the card consistently including line height, font style, weight, spacing and color of text. The heights of cards are maintained consistently when cards are grouped together in a row. This provides balance and allows for greater readability. WCAG 1.4.12: Text Spacing  **Animated GIF for the Card Image** A pause button is added for users when an animated GIF is used for the card’s image. WCAG 2.2.2: Pause, Stop, Hide **Call to Action Icons** The icon call to action link can be focused and activated via keyboard using the ‘Tab’ key for focus and either the ‘Enter’ or ‘Spacebar’ key to activate. WCAG 2.1.1: Keyboard It is positioned logically in the tabbing order, following any preceding focusable elements. WCAG 2.4.3: Focus OrderThe icon link has distinctive styling for both hover and focus state to provide a clear visual cue that it is active. The icon link will display an outline and background change on focus WCAG 1.4.13: Content on hover or focus Color contrast ratio is maintained between icon and background to maximize readability. WCAG 1.4.3: Contrast (minimum) ### Requirements for use **Image** Provide effective alt text of the image that is concise and relevant. Avoid phrases like “image of” since screen readers often already announce the type of element. WCAG 1.1: Text AlternativesDo not use an image to present text. True text should be used whenever possible, as it supports translation, is searchable, and is easier to maintain and customize.  WCAG 1.4.5: Images of Text **Title** Use a clear and concise title that describes the card content WCAG 2.4.6: Headings and Labels **Body Text** Write body text in clear and simple language. WCAG: 3.1.5: Reading Level Use descriptive link text for inline-links. 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 MarylandExample 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:    This ensures that the link is accessible while maintaining concise visible text. **GIF** If you are using a GIF, ensure that it does not flash more than 3 times per second. Avoid large, flashing images that are bright with significant contrast between flashes. WCAG 2.3: Seizures and Physical Reactions ## Content Recommended image ratios | Horizontal | 5:4 | | Vertical | 3:5 | Recommended Character LimitsThe following recommendations are based on a 500px width. Character limits may be more or less based on the card’s width. Character limits are enforced. | Title | 40 characters (80 max) | | Text Block | 120 characters (240 max) | | Tagline/Overline | 15 characters (30 max) | | Quote (text) | 100 characters (180 max) | ## Layout [View Figma design: Card Overlay](https://www.figma.com/file/YqgNlOMETaJbcI67sv8HUp/Downloadable-Components-File?type=design&node-id=1%3A1046&mode=design&t=P21nxkNUofHOgeBu-1) ## Guidelines Helper icons should be used in Calls to Action to indicate a non-standard action such as downloading a document or going to an off-site URLTitles should link to the same URL as the Call to Action link if there is oneImage aspect ratios will be enforced (card should display as squarish no matter what kind of photo is uploaded)Gradient behind text extends depending on height of text ## Animation Hover state: Titles are underlined. Image gradient fades from 100% to 60% (lightens).Cards may take animated gifs as an option for images/graphics on cards. A pause button should show and function on an animated gif. Note: GIF option is not supported in feeds.