Quick answer
Visitors should be able to find and operate important controls with a keyboard and see where focus is. A visible focus treatment can be quiet and consistent while still being clear enough to follow.
Before you begin
Choose a representative page and a journey such as opening navigation, using a dialog, or submitting an inquiry. Begin without a mouse and keep the browser’s normal keyboard behavior available.
What to do
- Use Tab and Shift+Tab to move through interactive elements. Note controls that are skipped, receive focus unexpectedly, or appear in a confusing order.
- Activate links and buttons with their normal keyboard controls. Check menus, accordions, and other components using the interaction pattern appropriate to that component.
- Confirm the focused control has a visible indicator against its surroundings. Do not remove all focus styling merely to simplify a design.
- Open and close overlays, then check where focus returns. Look for hidden content receiving focus or a dialog trapping the visitor without an exit.
- Record affected controls, steps, and screenshots. Repeat essential tasks after remediation rather than checking only the visual outline.
How to check the result
A completed review should establish that the selected journey can be finished and that focus remains understandable. Automated tools can help identify issues, but they do not replace operating the interface.
If you need help
If a component cannot be used, send its page and reproduction steps. Describe both the missing behavior and the visual state. Do not apply a blanket CSS rule removing outlines across the site as a cosmetic fix.
Related help
- Review form labels, instructions, and error messages
- Make small website controls easier to tap
- Turn accessibility findings into a practical repair plan
Official references
Reviewed October 31, 2026. Interfaces, vendor availability, and account features can change. Check your current account before making changes.
