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WCAG 2.1

2.4.3 Focus Order

Level A success criterion

Focus should move through content in a logical order that preserves meaning.

Why it matters

Keyboard users depend on predictable focus order to understand page structure.

Common violations

  • Focusable elements hidden off-screen
  • Modals that do not trap focus
  • Tab order that skips key content

Code examples

Bad

<button tabindex="3">Save</button>

Good

<button>Save</button>

How to fix

Follow DOM order for focus, manage focus in modals, and avoid positive tabindex values.

Related criteria

Related resources

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