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# 1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence

- Level: A
- Guideline: 1.3 Adaptable
- Principle: 1 Perceivable

## What it is

When the sequence in which content is presented affects its meaning, a correct reading sequence can be programmatically determined.

## How to test

- Check: When the sequence in which content is presented affects its meaning, a correct reading sequence can be programmatically determined.
- Use the sufficient techniques below as acceptable methods when applicable.
- Confirm none of the common failures apply.

## Sufficient techniques (W3C)

- G57: Ordering the content in a meaningful sequence
- H34: Using a Unicode right-to-left mark (RLM) or left-to-right mark (LRM) to mix text direction inline
- H56: Using the dir attribute on an inline element to resolve problems with nested directional runs
- C6: Positioning content based on structural markup
- C8: Using CSS letter-spacing to control spacing within a word
- C27: Making the DOM order match the visual order
- PDF3: Ensuring correct tab and reading order in PDF documents

## Common failures (W3C)

- F34: Failure of Success Criterion 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 due to using white space characters to format tables in plain text content
- F33: Failure of Success Criterion 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 due to using white space characters to create multiple columns in plain text content
- F32: Failure of Success Criterion 1.3.2 due to using white space characters to control spacing within a word
- F49: Failure of Success Criterion 1.3.2 due to using an HTML layout table that does not make sense when linearized
- F1: Failure of Success Criterion 1.3.2 due to changing the meaning of content by positioning information with CSS

## Resources

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

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