Not all users navigate websites using a mouse.
Many users rely entirely on a keyboard to move through content.
Who Uses Keyboard Navigation
Keyboard navigation is used by:
- People with motor disabilities
- Screen reader users
- Power users and developers
How Keyboard Navigation Works
Users move through interactive elements using:
- Tab key to move forward
- Shift + Tab to move backward
- Enter or Space to activate elements
These elements are focusable by default and can be accessed using the Tab key.
Understanding Focus
Focus shows which element is currently active.
Browsers highlight the focused element with an outline.
Do Not Remove Focus Styles
Removing focus outlines makes navigation difficult for keyboard users.
Always keep visible focus indicators.
The tabindex attribute allows non-interactive elements to receive focus.
Tab Order Matters
Focus should move in a logical order that matches the visual layout.
Skip Navigation Links
Skip links help keyboard users jump directly to main content.
This helps users avoid tabbing through long navigation menus.
Why Keyboard Accessibility Matters for Jobs
Accessibility is part of professional development standards.
Employers expect developers to support keyboard navigation.
Practice Task
Navigate your website using only the keyboard. Fix any elements that cannot be accessed.
What You Will Learn Next
In the next lesson, you will learn ARIA basics and when to use ARIA.