Installing the WAVE Browser Extension

Published February 2, 2026 by Derrik Bosse.

For WAVE Evaluation Tool version 3.3.0.4.

The WAVE Browser Extension is a free accessibility testing tool from WebAIM that visually highlights barriers directly on any webpage. It overlays icons to show issues like missing alt text, contrast errors, heading problems, and form labels. WAVE runs in your browser, works on private sites, and helps testers quickly identify accessibility concerns.

Step 1: Go to the WAVE extension page

  1. Visit: https://wave.webaim.org/extension/
  2. Click the link associated with your browser.

Install for Chrome

Step 2: Install for Chrome

  1. Click WAVE Chrome Extension at the Google Web Store.
  2. Click Add to Chrome (top-right).
  3. A dialog box will appear. Click Add Extension.

Step 3: Confirm the extension is working

  1. Click the puzzle piece icon in the top-right of your browser (next to the address bar).
  2. A dropdown menu will appear — WAVE Evaluation Tool should be listed.

Step 4: Run WAVE on a Website

  1. Visit any website of your choice.
  2. Click WAVE Evaluation Tool from the extensions menu.
  3. The WAVE tool panel will appear on the left side of the browser window.
  4. Multiple icons will appear on the page showing accessibility feedback.

Install for Firefox

Step 2: Add the extension

  1. Click WAVE Firefox Extension at Mozilla Add-ons
  2. Click Add to Firefox
  3. Check Allow extension to run in private windows
  4. Check Pin to extension toolbar

Step 3: Run WAVE on a website

  1. Visit a site of your choice
  2. Right click, and select WAVE this page