---
title: Standard List
date: 2023-12-17T12:31:00-08:00
author: Josh Magness
canonical_url: "https://designsystem.umd.edu/components/standard-list"
section: Components
---
# Standard List

Lists group content together in digestible chunks. Horizontal cards can be stacked in groups to display brief information and link to related content. 
A horizontal version of a card that can be used in groups to link to content
## Dos
- Use with large numbers of related items in a set
- Link to related content within or below a large text block or article
- OK to link to pages or articles that don’t have an associated image
- Pair with a Featured Card
- OK to use a single card in a list
## Don'ts
- Don’t use with large amounts of text
## Variations

[View component playground: Standard List](https://playground.designsystem.umd.edu/?path=/story/components-lists-standard-list--light)

## Accessibility

### Built in accessibility

**Keyboard Accessible**
Users are able to use the keyboard to navigate through focusable content 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:**
The actionable items 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 Design**
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 consistently including line height, font style, weight, spacing and color of text. WCAG 1.4.12: Text Spacing 

### 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 pathway 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 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

Recommended character limits
| Title | 50 characters (100 max) | 
| Text Block | 200 characters (400 max) | 
| Eyebrow/Overline | 15 characters (30 max) | 
## Layout

Multiple listing items can be used per component. Maximum of 10, no minimum.

[View Figma design: Listing - Standard](https://www.figma.com/file/YqgNlOMETaJbcI67sv8HUp/Downloadable-Components-File?type=design&node-id=158%3A34320&mode=design&t=P21nxkNUofHOgeBu-1)

## Guidelines

Helper icons should be used in Calls to Actions to indicate a non-standard action such as downloading a document or going to an off-site URLTitles should link to the same place as the Call to Action link if there is oneIf images show, image consistent widths will be enforced

## Animation

Hover: Underline on linked title.

