Keyboard navigation lets people use websites and apps without a mouse—just by using the keyboard. This is especially important for people with physical disabilities or those who use screen readers. It’s also a key part of making websites accessible to everyone.
What it means
All clickable or interactive parts of a website—like buttons, links, and forms—should work with keyboard commands alone.
Common keyboard keys
- Tab: Moves forward through items
- Shift + Tab: Moves backward
- Enter: Activates buttons or links
- Spacebar: Selects or unselects items
- Arrow keys: Scroll or move through lists
Easy navigation rules
- Skip Navigation link: Include a “Skip to main content” link at the top of the page. This lets keyboard users jump past repeated items like menus and go straight to the main content. It should be one of the first things reachable with the Tab key and clearly visible when focused.
- Logical order: Items should be focused in the same order they appear on the screen.
- Focus highlight: There should be a clear visual cue (like a border or glow) showing which item is selected. This helps users know where they are.
- No traps: Users should never get stuck in one part of the page. They must be able to move in and out using the keyboard.
- Escape key: This should close pop-ups or menus and return focus to where the user started.
Resources