Octopus Scanner (formerly A11y Scanner)
- 1Runs onMac, Windows
- 2CostsFree plan
- 3WCAG versionwcag 2.2
- 4Scan scopesite
- 5Browser extensionNo
Overview
Octopus Scanner, formerly A11y Scanner, is a free desktop tool for auditing website accessibility on Windows and macOS. It uses browser automation and axe-core-powered checks to scan sites against WCAG 2.2; setup also supports requirements including Section 508 and EN 301 549. It can record and replay authenticated flows such as logins and checkouts without code, and handle dynamic interfaces, Shadow DOM, embedded frames and dark mode. Scans produce an interactive HTML report and a companion CSV, and the tool can check the structure of linked PDF documents. Scanning, analysis and reporting stay on the local machine. Scanned-site traffic can be routed through HTTP, HTTPS or SOCKS proxies. Optional update checks use official checksums and signatures, and updates can be reverted. The Windows download is 64-bit and the macOS download is ARM64. Listed version 5.0.9.8 is marked beta. The software is free; contributions to its independent developer are optional.
Who it is for
Octopus Scanner suits people who need local website accessibility scans on Windows or macOS, including checks of authenticated flows and linked PDFs. It may also suit teams sharing configurations between machines.
What is good
- Scans against WCAG 2.2.
- Keeps scanning and reports local.
- Exports interactive HTML reports and companion CSVs.
- Supports authenticated journeys without code.
- Optional contributions are not required.
What to know first
- Listed version 5.0.9.8 is marked beta.
- Available only for Windows and macOS.
- No trial or refund policy is stated.
Verdict
Octopus Scanner offers local site and PDF accessibility checks with useful reporting and journey replay. Note the beta label and its desktop-only platform support.
Octopus Scanner (formerly A11y Scanner) plans and pricing
All plansCompared on website accessibility tools
- Free plan
- Yeslachie1999.itch.io
- Paid from
- $1/molachie1999.itch.io
- WCAG version
- wcag 2.2lachie1999.itch.io
- Scan scope
- sitelachie1999.itch.io
- Browser extension
- Nolachie1999.itch.io
Facts
- Pricing Model
- The software is free, with optional user contributions.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- Free Tier Limits
- The page does not state a scan or usage limit for the free software.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- Trial Refund Policy
- No trial or refund policy is stated in the supplied page text.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- Supported Platforms
- Available for Windows and macOS.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- Download Architectures
- Windows download is 64-bit; macOS download is ARM64.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- Local Privacy
- Scanning, analysis, and reporting remain entirely local, with no external transmission.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- Update Verification
- Optional updates are checked against official checksums and signatures and can be reverted.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- Compliance Standards
- Setup supports requirements including WCAG 2.2, Section 508, and EN 301 549.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- User Journeys
- Records and replays authenticated flows such as logins and checkouts without code.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- Dynamic Content
- Supports dynamic interfaces, Shadow DOM, embedded frames, and dark mode auditing.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- Report Formats
- Each scan produces an interactive HTML report and a complete companion CSV.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- PDF Auditing
- Performs structural accessibility checks on linked PDF documents.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- Team Config Sharing
- Configurations can be imported or exported between machines or team members.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- Proxy Support
- Supports HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS proxies, with scanned-site traffic routed through the proxy.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- Support Contact
- Bug reports and contact are available by email, with guides and documentation provided.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- Company Origin
- The tool is independently developed and published from Scotland by Lachie1999.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- Current Version
- The listed version is 5.0.9.8 and it is marked beta.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
- Browser Automation
- Combines browser automation with axe-core-powered auditing.lachie1999.itch.io · 27 Sept 2026
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Sources
- lachie1999.itch.io/octopus-scanner/purchase· checked 27 Sept 2026
- lachie1999.itch.io/octopus-scanner· checked 27 Sept 2026