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Focus Order Analyzer - Check Keyboard Navigation

Focus Order Analyzer

Analyze HTML for keyboard navigation and tab order issues. Ensure your site is accessible to keyboard-only users.

What is Focus Order?

Focus order is the sequence in which keyboard users navigate through interactive elements on a page using the Tab key. Proper focus order is essential for accessibility, allowing keyboard-only users to navigate your site logically and efficiently.

Why Focus Order Matters:

  • Keyboard Navigation: Many users rely solely on keyboard navigation due to motor disabilities
  • Screen Reader Users: Often navigate by tab order to find interactive elements
  • Power Users: Keyboard shortcuts are faster than mouse for many tasks
  • WCAG Compliance: Logical focus order is required by WCAG 2.4.3

How to Use This Tool:

  1. Paste HTML: Enter your HTML code with form elements, buttons, and links
  2. Analyze: Click "Analyze Focus Order" to check for issues
  3. Review Issues: Check for problematic tabindex usage
  4. Check Warnings: Review potential accessibility concerns
  5. Fix Problems: Update your HTML based on recommendations

Understanding Tabindex:

tabindex="0" - Natural Focus Order

Makes an element focusable in the natural tab order. Use this for custom interactive elements like <div role="button">.

tabindex="-1" - Programmatic Focus

Makes an element focusable via JavaScript but removes it from tab order. Useful for skip links and programmatically focused elements.

tabindex="1" (or any positive number) - AVOID!

Overrides natural tab order. Creates maintenance nightmares and confuses users. Should be avoided in almost all cases.

Common Focus Order Issues:

❌ Positive Tabindex Values
<button tabindex="1">Submit</button>
Problem: Overrides natural tab order, making navigation unpredictable
❌ Very High Tabindex
<input tabindex="999">
Problem: Difficult to maintain, can cause elements to be unreachable
⚠️ Non-Interactive Elements Made Focusable
<div tabindex="0">Click me</div>
Warning: If focusable, needs keyboard event handlers and appropriate ARIA role
✓ Natural Tab Order
<button>Submit</button>
Best: Naturally focusable elements follow source order
✓ Proper Use of tabindex="0"
<div role="button" tabindex="0" onclick="...">Custom Button</div>
Good: Custom interactive element with role and keyboard support

Example: Problematic Focus Order

<form>
  <input type="text" placeholder="Name">
  <input type="email" placeholder="Email" tabindex="3">
  <button tabindex="1">Submit</button>
  <input type="text" placeholder="Phone" tabindex="2">
</form>

Tab order: Submit button → Phone → Email → Name (confusing!)

Example: Correct Focus Order

<form>
  <input type="text" placeholder="Name">
  <input type="email" placeholder="Email">
  <input type="text" placeholder="Phone">
  <button>Submit</button>
</form>

Tab order: Name → Email → Phone → Submit button (logical!)

Best Practices for Focus Management:

1. Don't Use Positive Tabindex

Let the natural source order determine tab order. Only use tabindex="0" or tabindex="-1".

2. Use Semantic HTML

Native elements like <button>, <a>, and <input> are automatically focusable.

3. Maintain Logical Source Order

Structure your HTML so the DOM order matches the visual and logical order.

4. Add Keyboard Event Handlers

If you make an element focusable with tabindex="0", add onkeydown handlers for Enter and Space keys.

5. Show Focus Indicators

Never remove focus outlines with outline: none unless providing custom focus styles.

6. Test with Keyboard Only

Navigate your entire site using only the Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, and Arrow keys.

Skip Links for Improved Navigation:

Add skip links to help keyboard users bypass repetitive content:

<a href="#main-content" class="skip-link">Skip to main content</a>
<header>...navigation...</header>
<main id="main-content">...content...</main>

Testing Focus Order:

  • Keyboard Test: Use Tab key to navigate through all interactive elements
  • Browser DevTools: Inspect tabindex values in the Elements panel
  • Screen Reader: Test with NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver
  • Automated Tools: Run axe or WAVE accessibility audits

Keyboard Navigation Shortcuts:

  • Tab: Move forward through focusable elements
  • Shift + Tab: Move backward through focusable elements
  • Enter: Activate links and buttons
  • Space: Activate buttons and toggle checkboxes
  • Arrow Keys: Navigate within radio groups, dropdowns, and custom widgets
  • Esc: Close dialogs and menus

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