Keyboard navigation refers to the act of navigating and interacting with a web page or web application using the keyboard, instead of relying solely on a mouse or touchpad. It's essentially browsing the web with keyboard shortcuts.

To others, especially those who have limited mobility or who just plain prefer not to use a mouse, keyboard navigation isn't just handy. It's a requirement for a smooth web experience. It's a key component of making the web accessible to everyone, including users with disabilities who navigate using their keyboard.

How keyboard navigation works

Keyboard navigation relies on specific keys to jump between different parts of a webpage. Here are some of the most common ones you'll use.

• Tab. Moves you forward through interactive elements like links, buttons, and form fields.
• Shift + tab. Moves you backward through those same interactive elements.
• Enter. Activates whatever element is currently selected (like clicking a button or submitting a form).
• Arrow keys. Allow you to scroll through content or move between options within a specific element.
• Spacebar. Can activate buttons or checkboxes, and sometimes scrolls the page down.

Examples of keyboard navigation in use

• Form navigation. When you're on a contact form, you can use the Tab key to jump from the "Name" field to the "Email" field, then to the "Message" box, and finally press "Enter" to submit.
• Navigation menus. You can navigate through a website's main menu by repeatedly pressing the Tab key to highlight each item, and then press "Enter" to go to that page.
  Accessible carousels. Instead of clicking arrows with a mouse, you can often use the left and right arrow keys to scroll through the images in a product slideshow.

Making your website keyboard-friendly

If you're building a website and want to make sure it's easy for everyone to use with a keyboard, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Use semantic HTML. Structure your website logically so that interactive elements like forms, buttons, and links are naturally selectable with the Tab key.
2. Focus management. Make sure there's a clear visual indicator (like a border or a change in background color) that shows which element is currently selected when someone is using the keyboard.
3. Tab order. Ensure that when someone tabs through your site, they move through the elements in a way that makes sense and follows the visual flow of the page.
4. Keyboard shortcuts. For more complex interactions, you might think about adding specific keyboard shortcuts to make common actions quicker.
5. Custom focus styles. You can customize how the focus indicator looks to better fit your website's design.

FAQs about keyboard navigation

Why is keyboard navigation important?

Keyboard navigation is crucial for making websites accessible to people with disabilities, particularly those who can't use a mouse. It also provides a faster way for anyone to navigate if they prefer using the keyboard.

How does keyboard navigation help with web accessibility?

Keyboard navigation is a fundamental part of web accessibility guidelines (like WCAG). It ensures that people who rely on keyboards can still fully use and interact with your website.

Can I make my website fully navigable by keyboard?

Absolutely. By paying attention to the structure and functionality of your website, you can ensure that all interactive elements are reachable and usable with a keyboard.

How can I test my website for keyboard accessibility?

The easiest way is to simply try navigating your website using only your keyboard. Use the Tab key to move around and see if you can reach all the links, buttons, and form fields. Make sure the focus indicator is always visible and that you don't get stuck anywhere.

Build an accessible website with B12

With B12's easy-to-use website builder, creating an accessible site is effortless. You don't need to worry about coding or complex technicalities. Start building your accessible website today!