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WCAG 2.1

2.5.1 Pointer Gestures

Level A success criterion

All functionality that uses multipoint or path-based gestures for operation can be operated with a single pointer without a path-based gesture, unless a multipoint or path-based gesture is essential.

Why it matters

Users with motor impairments, those using head pointers or mouth sticks, and users of assistive technology may not be able to perform complex gestures like pinch-to-zoom or swipe paths.

Common violations

  • Maps that only support pinch-to-zoom with no zoom buttons
  • Carousels that only advance by swiping
  • Drawing interfaces with no alternative input method
  • Multi-finger gestures required to access content

Code examples

Bad

<div class="carousel" ontouchstart="handleSwipe(event)">
  <!-- No buttons to navigate slides -->
</div>

Good

<div class="carousel">
  <button aria-label="Previous slide" onclick="prevSlide()">ā†</button>
  <div class="slides">...</div>
  <button aria-label="Next slide" onclick="nextSlide()">ā†’</button>
</div>

How to fix

Provide single-tap or click alternatives for all multipoint gestures. Add buttons for zoom, navigation, and rotation. Ensure all gesture-driven actions have button equivalents.

Related criteria

2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation2.1.1 Keyboard2.5.4 Motion Actuation

Related resources

WordPress accessibility guideShopify accessibility guideSquarespace accessibility guide

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