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Focus Order Validator

Validate tab order and keyboard navigation for accessibility

HTML Input

Proper Focus Order Example

<!-- Proper Tab Order Example -->
<div class="focus-order-demo">
  <style>
    .focus-order-demo *:focus {
      outline: 3px solid #0066cc;
      outline-offset: 2px;
    }
    .focus-order-demo *:focus-visible {
      outline: 3px solid #0066cc;
    }
  </style>

  <!-- Tab Stop 1 -->
  <button type="button">
    Tab Stop 1
  </button>

  <!-- Tab Stop 2 -->
  <button type="button">
    Tab Stop 2
  </button>

  <!-- Tab Stop 3 -->
  <button type="button">
    Tab Stop 3
  </button>

  <!-- Tab Stop 4 -->
  <button type="button">
    Tab Stop 4
  </button>

  <!-- Tab Stop 5 -->
  <button type="button">
    Tab Stop 5
  </button>

</div>

Testing Instructions:

  1. 1. Press Tab to navigate forward through focusable elements
  2. 2. Press Shift+Tab to navigate backward
  3. 3. Verify focus indicator is visible for each element
  4. 4. Ensure tab order follows visual/logical reading order
  5. 5. Check that focus is never trapped (except in modals)

Focus Order Best Practices

Natural Tab Order:

Follow DOM order. Avoid positive tabindex values (1, 2, 3, etc.).

Visible Focus:

All focusable elements must have a clear, visible focus indicator.

Logical Order:

Tab order should match visual reading order (typically top to bottom, left to right).

Skip Links:

Provide skip links to bypass repetitive navigation.

Focus Management:

Manage focus when opening/closing modals and dynamic content.

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Frequently Asked Questions - Focus Order Validator