WPF UI Automation Patterns

WPF UI Automation Patterns

Implementing accessibility features using UI Automation framework.

Prerequisites

When implementing AutomationPeer for a CustomControl, ensure the control project is properly set up:

• ThemeInfo attribute in AssemblyInfo.cs → See /configuring-wpf-themeinfo
• CustomControl project structure → See /authoring-wpf-controls
• DefaultStyleKeyProperty in static constructor

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1. UI Automation Overview

UI Automation Framework
├── Providers (Server-side)
│   ├── AutomationPeer (base class)
│   ├── FrameworkElementAutomationPeer
│   └── Custom AutomationPeers
├── Clients (Consumer-side)
│   ├── Screen readers (Narrator, JAWS)
│   ├── Testing tools
│   └── Custom automation clients
└── Automation Properties
    ├── AutomationProperties.Name
    ├── AutomationProperties.HelpText
    └── AutomationProperties.LabeledBy

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2. AutomationProperties

2.1 Basic Properties

<!-- Name - primary identifier for screen readers -->
<Button Content="Submit"
        AutomationProperties.Name="Submit form"/>

<!-- Name for image buttons (no text content) -->
<Button AutomationProperties.Name="Close window">
    <Image Source="/Icons/close.png"/>
</Button>

<!-- HelpText - additional description -->
<TextBox AutomationProperties.Name="Email address"
         AutomationProperties.HelpText="Enter your email in format [email protected]"/>

<!-- LabeledBy - reference to label element -->
<Label x:Name="UsernameLabel" Content="Username:"/>
<TextBox AutomationProperties.LabeledBy="{Binding ElementName=UsernameLabel}"/>

2.2 Additional Properties

<!-- AcceleratorKey - keyboard shortcut hint -->
<Button Content="_Save"
        AutomationProperties.AcceleratorKey="Ctrl+S"/>

<!-- AccessKey - mnemonic key -->
<Button Content="_File"
        AutomationProperties.AccessKey="Alt+F"/>

<!-- ItemStatus - current state information -->
<ListBoxItem AutomationProperties.ItemStatus="Selected, 3 of 10"/>

<!-- ItemType - type description for list items -->
<ListBoxItem AutomationProperties.ItemType="Email message"/>

<!-- LiveSetting - for dynamic content updates -->
<TextBlock AutomationProperties.LiveSetting="Polite"
           Text="{Binding StatusMessage}"/>

2.3 LiveSetting Values

Value	Description
Off	No announcements
Polite	Announce when user is idle
Assertive	Announce immediately

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3. Custom AutomationPeer

3.1 Basic Custom Peer

namespace MyApp.Controls;

using System.Windows;
using System.Windows.Automation.Peers;
using System.Windows.Controls;

public class RatingControl : Control
{
    public static readonly DependencyProperty ValueProperty = DependencyProperty.Register(
        nameof(Value), typeof(int), typeof(RatingControl),
        new PropertyMetadata(0));

    public int Value
    {
        get => (int)GetValue(ValueProperty);
        set => SetValue(ValueProperty, value);
    }

    public int MaxValue { get; set; } = 5;

    // Create custom AutomationPeer
    protected override AutomationPeer OnCreateAutomationPeer()
    {
        return new RatingControlAutomationPeer(this);
    }
}

public class RatingControlAutomationPeer : FrameworkElementAutomationPeer
{
    public RatingControlAutomationPeer(RatingControl owner)
        : base(owner)
    {
    }

    private RatingControl RatingControl => (RatingControl)Owner;

    // Return control type for screen readers
    protected override AutomationControlType GetAutomationControlTypeCore()
    {
        return AutomationControlType.Slider;
    }

    // Return class name
    protected override string GetClassNameCore()
    {
        return nameof(RatingControl);
    }

    // Return accessible name
    protected override string GetNameCore()
    {
        var name = base.GetNameCore();

        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(name))
        {
            return $"Rating: {RatingControl.Value} of {RatingControl.MaxValue} stars";
        }

        return name;
    }

    // Return help text
    protected override string GetHelpTextCore()
    {
        return "Use arrow keys to change rating";
    }
}

Advanced: See ADVANCED.md for implementing automation patterns (IRangeValueProvider), raising automation events, keyboard navigation, and screen reader announcements.

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4. Common Automation Patterns

Pattern	Purpose	Example Controls
IInvokeProvider	Single action	Button, MenuItem
IToggleProvider	Toggle state	CheckBox, ToggleButton
ISelectionProvider	Contains selectable items	ListBox, ComboBox
ISelectionItemProvider	Selectable item	ListBoxItem
IRangeValueProvider	Numeric range	Slider, ProgressBar
IValueProvider	Text value	TextBox
IExpandCollapseProvider	Expand/collapse	TreeViewItem, Expander
IScrollProvider	Scrollable content	ScrollViewer

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5. Accessibility Checklist

Essential

• All interactive elements have AutomationProperties.Name
• Images have descriptive names or are marked decorative
• Form fields are labeled (LabeledBy or Name)
• Focus is visible and logical order is correct
• Keyboard navigation works for all functionality

Enhanced

• HelpText provides additional context
• AcceleratorKey documents shortcuts
• LiveSetting for dynamic content
• Custom controls have AutomationPeers
• Color contrast meets WCAG guidelines

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6. Testing Accessibility

6.1 Using Inspect.exe

Tools location:
Windows SDK → bin → [arch] → inspect.exe

Usage:
1. Run inspect.exe
2. Hover over UI elements
3. View automation properties
4. Verify Name, ControlType, Patterns

6.2 Using Narrator

Windows + Ctrl + Enter: Toggle Narrator
Tab: Navigate forward
Shift + Tab: Navigate backward
Caps Lock + Up/Down: Read current item

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7. References

• UI Automation Overview - Microsoft Docs
• AutomationProperties Class - Microsoft Docs
• Custom Control Accessibility - Microsoft Docs