Text Scramble
A decorative text change that shows random symbols for a moment, then settles on the real words.
A real example
A terminal-style hero scrambles one short role label on load. Screen readers can read the real heading from the start.
Main parts
- 01Trigger
- 02Property change
- 03Timing model
- 04Reduced-motion result
Use it when
Use it rarely and only on short decorative text. Show the final words quickly, and show them at once when reduced motion is on.
Do not use it when
Do not scramble body text, changing numbers, form labels, or anything needed to understand or use the page.
Name used in code
aria-hidden animated copy + stable accessible text Before you ship
Check content order, shared design values, component consistency, contrast, zoom, and layout changes by screen size. Verify every theme, language, and state. If there is motion, offer an equal reduced-motion experience.
Outcome: Use or define Text Scramble to make the visual experience clear and easy to use. User context: A terminal-style hero scrambles one short role label on load. Screen readers can read the real heading from the start. Design concept to apply: Text Scramble. Why it fits: Use it rarely and only on short decorative text. Show the final words quickly, and show them at once when reduced motion is on. Do not use it when: Do not scramble body text, changing numbers, form labels, or anything needed to understand or use the page. Design requirements: Set the content order, shared design values, and reusable components. Define how the layout changes by screen size and state. Keep useful design choices separate from decoration. Inclusion and resilience: Check contrast, zoom, languages, themes, and reduced motion when needed. Do not use color or effects as the only way to show meaning. Acceptance criteria: The design stays clear on phones and desktops, at zoom, in every theme, and in all supported languages. Interactive states stay clear and consistent. Evidence and limits (evidence boundary): This is not a normative standard. Its name, limits, and expected behavior can change from one source to another. Unknowns to confirm: Brand limits, amount of content, supported themes and languages, target devices, and design-system rules.
Check this request
Review the current use of Text Scramble. Definition: A decorative text change that shows random symbols for a moment, then settles on the real words. Release checks: Check content order, shared design values, component consistency, contrast, zoom, and layout changes by screen size. Verify every theme, language, and state. If there is motion, offer an equal reduced-motion experience. Before changing code, report the evidence you found, gaps, severity, and the smallest safe fix.