Keyboard Compatibility

Web accessibility is essential for people with disabilities and useful for all. Learn about the impact of accessibility and the benefits for everyone in a variety of situations.

Video on Keyboard Compatibility

This video information is available as a Text Transcript with Description of Visuals below.

What is “Keyboard Compatibility”?

All functionality must be usable with the keyboard. That is, users can access and move between links, buttons, forms, and other controls using the Tab key and other keystrokes. Websites should not require a mouse; for example, pop-up calendars should also let users type in a date.

Who depends on this feature?

People with physical disabilities who cannot use the mouse.
People who are blind, and cannot see the mouse pointer on the screen.
People with chronic conditions, such as repetitive stress injuries (RSI), who should limit or avoid use of a mouse.

What are the additional benefits?

Content works for people with temporary limitations, such as a broken arm or broken mouse.

What needs to happen for this to work?

Native HTML controls, like links, buttons, and form elements, work with the keyboard by default and should be used where possible. Custom-made controls, CSS styles, and scripts that control interaction may need additional coding for keyboard compatibility. Ensure that the tab order is logical, to allow keyboard navigation around the content and controls. Provide a way for users to jump between blocks of content and controls. Keyboard issues occur particularly in forms, menus, and applications with many controls.

Learn more

Accessibility Principle:
- Functionality is available from a keyboard
Getting Started:
- Ensure that all interactive elements are keyboard accessible
Easy Check:
- Keyboard access and visual focus
User Story:
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG Overview):
- Success Criteria relating to “keyboard”
Mobile Applicability:
- Mouse required for interaction and navigation
Tutorial:
- Web Accessibility Tutorials (several related topics)

Text Transcript with Description of Visuals

Audio	Visual
Web Accessibility Perspectives: Keyboard Compatibility	Web Accessibility Perspectives: Keyboard Compatibility
Not being able to use your computer because your mouse doesn't work, is frustrating.	A man drops his computer mouse off the desk. The computer mouse no longer works.
Many people use only the keyboard to navigate websites — either through preference or circumstance.
Whether it's temporarily limited mobility,	A woman with her arm in a sling is typing on a keyboard — but the website requires the use of a mouse to select the date.
a permanent physical disability,	A man with a wheelchair is using a mouth-stick to type.
or simply a broken mouse, the result is the same:	The man with the wheelchair also cannot use the site.
Websites and apps need to be operable by keyboard.	He switches to a different website that allows typing the date.
Web accessibility: Essential for some, useful for all.
Visit w3.org/WAI/perspectives for more information on Keyboard Compatibility	Visit w3.org/WAI/perspectives for more information on Keyboard Compatibility. W3C Web Accessibility Initiative logo