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# 2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation

- Level: A
- Guideline: 2.5 Input Modalities
- Principle: 2 Operable

## What it is

For functionality that can be operated using a single pointer, at least one of the following is true:

- **No Down-Event:** The down-event of the pointer is not used to execute any part of the function;
- **Abort or Undo:** Completion of the function is on the up-event, and a mechanism is available to abort the function before completion or to undo the function after completion;
- **Up Reversal:** The up-event reverses any outcome of the preceding down-event;
- **Essential:** Completing the function on the down-event is essential.

## How to test

- Check: The down-event of the pointer is not used to execute any part of the function;
- Check: Completion of the function is on the up-event, and a mechanism is available to abort the function before completion or to undo the function after completion;
- Check: The up-event reverses any outcome of the preceding down-event;
- Check: Completing the function on the down-event is essential.
- Use the sufficient techniques below as acceptable methods when applicable.
- Confirm none of the common failures apply.

## Sufficient techniques (W3C)

- G210: Ensuring that drag-and-drop actions can be cancelled
- G212: Using native controls to ensure functionality is triggered on the up-event.
- Touch events are only triggered when touch is removed from a control (Potential future technique)

## Common failures (W3C)

- F101: Failure of Success Criterion 2.5.2 due to activating a control on the down-event

## Notes

- Note 1: Functions that emulate a keyboard or numeric keypad key press are considered essential.
- Note 2: This requirement applies to web content that interprets pointer actions (i.e., this does not apply to actions that are required to operate the user agent or assistive technology).

## Resources

- WCAG 2.2 SC: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/#pointer-cancellation
- Understanding: https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/pointer-cancellation.html
- Quick reference: https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/quickref/?versions=2.2#pointer-cancellation

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