Success criterion 2.1.1 Keyboard
Level Level A, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: KEYBOARD
All functionality must be operable using a keyboard alone, unless the task requires freehand input (e.g. drawing).
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WCAG Explorer (beta)
This resource is designed for anyone eager to master digital accessibility. Explore WCAG success criteria through clear, easy-to-understand descriptions. We owe a special "hat tip" to Johannes Lehner’s WCAG Card Deck, which served as the inspiration for this project.
We plan to expand this library over time, so please check back regularly for updates.
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20 success criteria found for Level A + AA and Operable principle and
Success criterion 2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap
Level Level A, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: KEYBOARD
It must always be possible to move focus into and out of any component using a keyboard alone (e.g. [tab], [shift]+[tab], [enter], [esc]), without getting stuck.
Success criterion 2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts [2.1 and 2.2]
Level Level A, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: KEYBOARD
Keyboard shortcuts should use modifier keys like [ctrl], [cmd], or [alt/option]. If single-key shortcuts are used (e.g. 'S' for save), it must be possible to:
- turn them off,
- remap them with a modifier key, or
- restrict them to when the relevant element is focused
Success criterion 2.2.1 Timing Adjustable
Level Level A, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: FORMS SENSORY
Time limits must be avoided unless essential for the task (e.g. exams, auctions). If time limits are used, it must be possible to:
- turn them off,
- adjust them to at least 10× the default, or
- extend them by at least 10×.
Success criterion 2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide
Level Level A, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: SENSORY
If content moves, scrolls, blinks, or updates automatically for more than 5 seconds, it must be possible to:
- pause it,
- stop it, or
- hide it
Success criterion 2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold
Level Level A, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: SENSORY
Content must not flash, blink, or flicker more than three times per second, unless it stays within safety limits designed to avoid visual overload and reduce the risk of seizures.
Success criterion 2.4.1 Bypass Blocks
Level Level A, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: KEYBOARD
It must be possible to skip repeated blocks of content (e.g. navigation, header) and jump directly to the main part of the page.
Success criterion 2.4.2 Page Titled
Level Level A, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: CODE AND LABELS WHOLE SITE WORDING
Each page must have a unique and descriptive <title> that reflects its topic or purpose.
Success criterion 2.4.3 Focus Order
Level Level A, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: KEYBOARD
Focus must follow a logical and meaningful order that preserves relationships and matches how the page is naturally read, regardless of layout or language direction.
Success criterion 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)
Level Level A, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: CODE AND LABELS WORDING
The purpose of each link must be clear from:
- the link text itself, or
- the surrounding context.
Success criterion 2.5.1 Pointer Gestures [2.1 and 2.2]
Level Level A, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: GESTURES
Actions that rely on gestures (like swiping or pinching) must also be possible using a single tap, click, or button.
Success criterion 2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation [2.1 and 2.2]
Level Level A, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: GESTURES
Actions must not trigger on press or touch down. They must only trigger on release (like mouse-up or finger lift).
Success criterion 2.5.3 Label in Name [2.1 and 2.2]
Level Level A, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: CODE AND LABELS FORMS
The visible text of a button, link, or form field must also be part of its accessible (programmatic) name.
Success criterion 2.5.4 Motion Actuation [2.1 and 2.2]
Level Level A, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: GESTURES
If an action can be triggered by motion (like shaking or tilting the device), it must also:
- work without motion, and
- be possible to turn off motion-based input
Success criterion 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) [2.2 only]
Level Level AA, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: KEYBOARD
When an element receives focus, it must be at least partially visible.
Success criterion 2.4.5 Multiple Ways
Level Level AA, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: WHOLE SITE
At least two different ways must be available to find pages or content (e.g. navigation menus, on-page links, site search, or a sitemap).
Success criterion 2.4.6 Headings and Labels
Level Level AA, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: CODE AND LABELS WORDING
Headings must describe what follows.
Labels and buttons must clearly communicate what information is needed or what action will happen.
Success criterion 2.4.7 Focus Visible
Level Level AA, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: KEYBOARD SENSORY
A visible indicator must show which element is currently focused when navigating with a keyboard.
Success criterion 2.5.7 Dragging Movements [2.2 only]
Level Level AA, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: GESTURES
Actions that require dragging (like reordering) must also be possible using buttons or another method that does not require dragging.
Success criterion 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) [2.2 only]
Level Level AA, WCAG principle: Operable
Assigned to the following themes: GESTURES
Targets must be at least 24×24px, unless they are:
- part of a sentence or block of text,
- surrounded by enough space, or
- near another target with the same function that meets the size