Skip to content

2.1.4

Jump to bottom
Andrew Hick edited this page Jun 6, 2023 · 5 revisions

2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts

WCAG says:

If a keyboard shortcut is implemented in content using only letter (including upper- and lower-case letters), punctuation, number, or symbol characters, then at least one of the following is true:

Turn off: A mechanism is available to turn the shortcut off;

Remap: A mechanism is available to remap the shortcut to include one or more non-printable keyboard keys (e.g., Ctrl, Alt);

Active only on focus: The keyboard shortcut for a user interface component is only active when that component has focus.

When this is applicable

Always.

Check key shortcuts

Make sure nothing has focus (clicking on the background will remove any current focus).

Run the Character key shortcut bookmarklet to trigger any shortcuts.

Check:

  • nothing gets triggered, or changes content or context

If the page does not entirely fit inside the current viewport, scroll down to check the rest of the page. If you're not sure you can reload the page, scroll down and re-run the bookmarklet from that view. You might need to do this multiple times for long pages.

It may also help to zoom out to fit the page to the viewport before running the bookmarklet. However, if the page is too long, changes would become too difficult to see.

If something gets focus (which is a fail), you need to remove that focus again before continuing to test. You will not be able to rely on the bookmarklet in that case as it is unlikely to trigger the same shortcuts after that focus. You should use "other ways to test" below instead.

It's okay if:

  • there is a mechanism to turn that behaviour off or keys can be remapped, for example with a site-wide setting or instructions on how to do it
  • something only gets triggered when focused

Other ways to test

  • Press each key one by one (except function/control/modification keys) to see if they trigger any changes, then repeat with each key while also holding down Shift (for example, Shift+L)
  • Use voice control and say each number and letter

Mobile app testing

Use an external keyboard. Strictly all keys should be pressed to test for shortcuts.

If there is only time to spot check some keys, the following is a suggested starting point:

  • 1 2 3 (in case there are options or tabs associated with numbers)
  • a b c (in case there are options or tabs associated with letters)
  • q s x (these might cover quit, search and dismiss options)
  • - + / (these might detect zoom/expand and search options)
Clone this wiki locally