Accessibility glossary

Keyboard navigation

Operating a website using only the keyboard — Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, Space, and arrow keys — without a mouse.

Many people can’t use a mouse, including motor-disabled and screen-reader users. WCAG 2.1.1 requires all functionality to be keyboard operable, and there must be no keyboard traps.

The quickest test of any site: put the mouse away and try to complete a task.

Related terms

Frequently asked questions

What does Keyboard navigation mean?
Operating a website using only the keyboard — Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, Space, and arrow keys — without a mouse.

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