Here are some essential tips to ensure your site is fully navigable using only the keyboard:
01. Use Semantic HTML
Use semantic HTML elements such as <header>, <nav>, <main>, <section>, <article>, and <footer> to provide a logical structure and meaning to your content. Semantic elements are naturally keyboard-accessible and help assistive technologies, like screen readers, understand the layout of the page.
Tip: Avoid using non-semantic elements (like <div> or <span>) for interactive elements.
02. Use Skip Navigation Links
Provide a “Skip to Content” link at the top of the page that allows users to bypass repetitive navigation menus and go straight to the main content.
Tip: Make the skip link visible when focused and ensure it can be accessed by pressing Tab as soon as the page loads.
03. Ensure Logical Tab Order
The tab order should follow a logical and intuitive sequence. Users should be able to navigate through your site in a left-to-right, top-to-bottom order, from the header to the footer.
Tip: Use the tabindex attribute only when necessary to adjust the natural flow of the content. Avoid setting a positive tabindex unless absolutely required.
04. Make All Interactive Elements Accessible
All interactive elements (buttons, links, forms, dropdowns, etc.) should be focusable and operable using the keyboard. Ensure that custom interactive components, such as modals and sliders, can be controlled via keyboard alone.
Tip: Use semantic HTML elements like <button>, <a>, and <input>, which are inherently keyboard-accessible. For custom components, ensure that they support keyboard interactions (e.g., spacebar, Enter, and arrow keys).
05. Provide Visible Focus States
Ensure that all interactive elements (links, buttons, form fields) have a visible focus indicator that shows users where they are on the page as they navigate using the Tab key.
Tip: Use CSS to style the focus outline (e.g., outline: 2px solid #000;) to make it highly visible and easily recognizable.
06. Ensure Accessible Forms
Make sure that all form fields, including radio buttons, checkboxes, and select menus, can be navigated and operated using the Tab, Enter, and Space keys.
Tip: Properly label form inputs using the <label> element or aria-label attributes to help keyboard and screen reader users.
07. Support Arrow Key Navigation for Complex Widgets
For components like dropdown menus, carousels, and sliders, use the arrow keys to allow users to navigate through options.
Tip: Follow the ARIA Authoring Practices for components like dropdowns or menus to ensure they are accessible to keyboard users.
08. Trap Focus in Modal Dialogs
When a modal or pop-up is open, ensure the focus remains within the modal and does not allow the user to navigate to elements behind it (outside of the modal).
Tip: Implement a focus trap that cycles through interactive elements within the modal until it’s closed.
09. Handle Focus Transitions Smoothly
Ensure that when elements like modals, accordions, or carousels are opened, the focus transitions smoothly to the newly opened element.
Tip: Automatically move focus to the first interactive element inside a pop-up or modal and return focus to the triggering element when it’s closed.
10. Test with Keyboard-Only Navigation
Perform manual testing by navigating through your website using only the keyboard. Ensure that all elements, from navigation menus to forms, can be accessed and operated without the use of a mouse.
Tip: Perform a full walkthrough of the site using Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, Space, and arrow keys to identify potential issues.
11. ARIA Landmarks for Screen Readers
Use ARIA landmarks (such as role="navigation" or role="main") to provide structure for keyboard and screen reader users, allowing them to jump to different sections easily.
Tip: Combine ARIA landmarks with a clear and consistent heading structure (H1, H2, H3) to further aid keyboard navigation.
