WCAG 2.1 · Level AA · Perceivable

WCAG 1.4.13 — Content on Hover or Focus

Tooltips and popovers triggered by hover/focus must be dismissable, hoverable, and persistent.

WCAG 1.4.13 at a glance

Level AA · Principle: Perceivable · Added in WCAG 2.1. Level AA is the conformance target for the ADA, EAA, and Section 508.

What it means

Tooltips and popovers triggered by hover/focus must be dismissable, hoverable, and persistent.

Who it helps

Low-vision users (who zoom and need to move over the content) and keyboard users.

Common failures

  • Tooltips that vanish when you move toward them
  • No way to dismiss a popover with Escape

How to meet WCAG 1.4.13

  1. Keep hover/focus content visible until dismissed
  2. Allow pointer to move onto it; support Escape

How to test it

Manual.

Frequently asked questions

Is WCAG 1.4.13 Level A or AA?
WCAG 1.4.13 (Content on Hover or Focus) is a Level AA success criterion, introduced in WCAG 2.1. Level AA is the standard required by the ADA, EAA, and Section 508.
How do I test WCAG 1.4.13?
Manual.

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