- Home
- Website Accessibility Tools
- Octopus Scanner (formerly A11y Scanner)
Octopus Scanner (formerly A11y Scanner)
What it is
Octopus Scanner, formerly A11y Scanner, is a free desktop tool for auditing website accessibility on Windows and macOS. It combines browser automation with axe-core-powered checks and supports WCAG 2.2, Section 508, and EN 301 549 requirements. Users can record and replay authenticated journeys such as logins and checkouts without code. The scanner handles dynamic interfaces, Shadow DOM, embedded frames, and dark mode audits, and it checks the structure of linked PDF files. Each scan creates an interactive HTML report and a companion CSV. Scanning, analysis, and reporting stay on the local machine; HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS proxy connections are supported for scanned-site traffic. Optional update checks use official checksums and signatures, and updates can be reverted. Configurations can be moved between machines or team members. The Windows download is 64-bit and the macOS download is ARM64. Version 5.0.9.8 is marked beta. The software is free, and the independent developer based in Scotland accepts optional contributions.
For and against
For
- Scans against WCAG 2.2 and other supported requirements.
- Records and replays authenticated user journeys without code.
- Keeps scanning, analysis, and reports local.
- Creates interactive HTML reports and companion CSV files.
- Supports dynamic interfaces, embedded frames, and dark mode.
Against
- The listed version, 5.0.9.8, is marked beta.
- Available only for Windows 64-bit and macOS ARM64.
- No trial or refund policy is stated.
The verdict
Octopus Scanner combines website accessibility checks with browser automation and local reporting. Its beta status and limited listed operating systems are worth noting before choosing it.
Who it suits
It suits accessibility practitioners or web teams who need desktop site audits, including checks of authenticated flows and linked PDFs. It is available for Windows 64-bit and macOS ARM64.
Plans and prices
Name your own price
Free download; optional contributions support the developer.
Read 23 Sep 2026 · lachie1999.itch.io
Support contribution
Read 27 Sep 2026 · lachie1999.itch.io
Free software
Read 27 Sep 2026 · lachie1999.itch.io
On the record
- Browser Automation
- Combines browser automation with axe-core-powered auditing.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- Browser extension
- Nolachie1999.itch.io · read 23 Sep 2026
- Company Origin
- The tool is independently developed and published from Scotland by Lachie1999.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- Compliance Standards
- Setup supports requirements including WCAG 2.2, Section 508, and EN 301 549.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- Current Version
- The listed version is 5.0.9.8 and it is marked beta.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- Download Architectures
- Windows download is 64-bit; macOS download is ARM64.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- Dynamic Content
- Supports dynamic interfaces, Shadow DOM, embedded frames, and dark mode auditing.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- Free Tier Limits
- The page does not state a scan or usage limit for the free software.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- Local Privacy
- Scanning, analysis, and reporting remain entirely local, with no external transmission.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- PDF Auditing
- Performs structural accessibility checks on linked PDF documents.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- Pricing Model
- The software is free, with optional user contributions.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- Proxy Support
- Supports HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS proxies, with scanned-site traffic routed through the proxy.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- Report Formats
- Each scan produces an interactive HTML report and a complete companion CSV.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- Scan Scope
- Supports single-page audits, full-domain crawling, sitemaps, URL batches, multiple domains, and SPA routes.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- Support Contact
- Bug reports and contact are available by email, with guides and documentation provided.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- Supported Platforms
- Available for Windows and macOS.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- Team Config Sharing
- Configurations can be imported or exported between machines or team members.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
- Trial Refund Policy
- No trial or refund policy is stated in the supplied page text.lachie1999.itch.io · read 27 Sep 2026
