Only for layout purposes
This term is defined by more than one standard, and the wording differs. Each definition below is the one that applies to that standard’s criteria.
Definition in RAWeb 1.1
Only for layout purposes: use of HTML tags for a purpose other than that specified in the specifications (with regard to the declared document type). Examples: use of the h tags for the sole purpose of creating a typographic effect; use of the <blockquote> tag for the sole purpose of indenting a paragraph, etc.
Note 1: the use of <div> or <span> elements or several <br> elements to visually create a paragraph is considered non-compliant and invalidates the criterion.
Example: <div>, paragraphs in a simulated block of text, <br>, using several <br> tags, </div>
Note 2: WAI-ARIA offers a presentation role which can be used to suppress the semantics of an element, for example <h1 role="presentation">Heading</h1>. In this case, the text will be rendered correctly but its heading role will no longer be rendered. The presentation role may be required when using a WAI-ARIA design pattern.
The WAI-ARIA presentation role can also be used to remove semantics from an element when it is used only for layout purposes, e.g. <blockquote role="presentation"> will have the same effect as no <blockquote> element.
Even if this use is strongly discouraged (in the case of assistive technologies that do not implement WAI-ARIA, for example), it can be considered WCAG-compliant. On the other hand, the use of a WAI-ARIA presentation role on an element whose nature (e.g. semantics) is essential to the understanding of the content is a violation of the WCAG rules (particularly failure F92) and invalidates the criterion.
Definition in RAAM 1.1
Use of interface elements for a purpose other than that stated in the specifications. For example, a misuse in an application could be the use of an interactive element (button for example) as plain text.