Why it matters
Users with mounted devices or motor impairments may only be able to view content in one orientation. Restricting orientation creates barriers.
Common violations
- Mobile apps that only work in portrait mode
- Websites that force landscape orientation
- Games that require specific orientation without good reason
- Content that breaks when device is rotated
Code examples
Bad
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, orientation=portrait">Good
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
<!-- Responsive CSS for both orientations -->How to fix
Design responsive layouts that work in both portrait and landscape. Only restrict orientation when absolutely essential (e.g., piano apps, check scanning).
Related criteria
Related resources
Test & fix this criterion
Use these free tools and guides to check and fix 1.3.4 Orientation violations:
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