Keyboard Focus Checker
Checks technical patterns that make keyboard operation difficult: positive tab index values, missing skip links, focusable elements in aria-hidden areas, and buttons without names.
Playing a complete path without a mouse
From navigation to completion
Set a specific goal, such as opening a product category, selecting a filter, and reaching the contact form. Use Tab and Shift+Tab for navigation and the buttons matching the component for operation. Write down the first place where the destination is no longer reachable. This results in a reproducible error report instead of the general statement “keyboard does not work”.
Include hidden conditions
Check open menus, error messages and dialogs even with a narrow screen. A focused element can be technically present and still disappear behind a fixed strip. After closing an overlay, the further path must remain understandable. Positive tabindex values can change the natural order; if possible, fix the document structure instead of numbering each item individually. Repeat the path forward and backward after the change. An inconspicuous automatic check does not replace this operating attempt.
Operatability by keyboard
Focused view for WCAG 2.1.1, 2.4.1, 2.4.3 and 4.1.2.
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Why Focus Leadership Affects Conversion
If navigation, forms or modals are not accessible by keyboard, users cancel faster. This applies to accessibility, UX and important contact or checkout routes.
What is checked
- Positive tabindex values and illogical focus order.
- Missing jump links to the main content.
- Focusable elements in aria-hidden regions.
- Buttons without accessible names.
Check keyboard operation along real paths
Focus problems rarely show up on a single static component. The way is crucial: open navigation, fill in the form, close the dialog, use the cookie notice or make a purchase. The check marks technical risks, which should then be tested practically.
Prioritisation in practice
- Ensure skip link, visible focus and meaningful order
- Remove positive tabindex values and focus traps
- Operating Modal Dialogues, Menus and Accordions with Keyboard
Next meaningful check
High priority is given to all problems on conversion routes, logins, forms and recurring navigation elements.
When Focus Problems Are Critical
Focus issues are particularly critical when users get stuck without a mouse: cookie hint, navigation, search, checkout, contact form, login, dialogs and filters. An invisible focus or focus trap then blocks the entire path.
The technical exam should always be combined with a real tab run. This allows you to see whether sequence, visibility and usability work together.
Particularly treacherous are components that only become visible after user action. Menus, overlays, filters, and cookie banners should therefore be opened, closed, and reopened before a focus finding is deemed done.