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# 2.4.3 Focus Order

- Level: A
- Guideline: 2.4 Navigable
- Principle: 2 Operable

## What it is

If a web page can be navigated sequentially and the navigation sequences affect meaning or operation, focusable components receive focus in an order that preserves meaning and operability.

## How to test

- Check: If a web page can be navigated sequentially and the navigation sequences affect meaning or operation, focusable components receive focus in an order that preserves meaning and operability.
- Use the sufficient techniques below as acceptable methods when applicable.
- Confirm none of the common failures apply.

## Sufficient techniques (W3C)

- G59: Placing the interactive elements in an order that follows sequences and relationships within the content
- C27: Making the DOM order match the visual order
- PDF3: Ensuring correct tab and reading order in PDF documents
- SCR26: Inserting dynamic content into the Document Object Model immediately following its trigger element
- H102: Creating modal dialogs with the HTML dialog element
- SCR27: Reordering page sections using the Document Object Model

## Common failures (W3C)

- F44: Failure of Success Criterion 2.4.3 due to using tabindex to create a tab order that does not preserve meaning and operability
- F85: Failure of Success Criterion 2.4.3 due to using dialogs or menus that are not adjacent to their trigger control in the sequential navigation order

## Resources

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

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