WCAG/2-operable/2.4.7-focus-visible.md

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2.4.7 Focus Visible

• Level: AA
• Guideline: 2.4 Navigable
• Principle: 2 Operable

What it is

Any keyboard operable user interface has a mode of operation where the keyboard focus indicator is visible.

How to test

• Check: Any keyboard operable user interface has a mode of operation where the keyboard focus indicator is visible.
• Use the sufficient techniques below as acceptable methods when applicable.
• Confirm none of the common failures apply.

Sufficient techniques (W3C)

• G149: Using user interface components that are highlighted by the user agent when they receive focus
• C15: Using CSS to change the presentation of a user interface component when it receives focus
• G165: Using the default focus indicator for the platform so that high visibility default focus indicators will carry over
• G195: Using an author-supplied, visible focus indicator
• C40: Creating a two-color focus indicator to ensure sufficient contrast with all components
• C45: Using CSS :focus-visible to provide keyboard focus indication
• SCR31: Using script to change the background color or border of the element with focus

Common failures (W3C)

• F55: Failure of Success Criteria 2.1.1, 2.4.7, 2.4.13, and 3.2.1 due to using script to remove focus when focus is received
• F78: Failure of Success Criterion 1.4.11, 2.4.7 and 2.4.13 due to styling element outlines and borders in a way that removes or renders non-visible the visual focus indicator

Resources

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

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