Checkpoint 1.15 - Core

The tabindex attribute allows the developer to explicitly determine the tab order through a web page.

Tab order and reading order is best controlled by ordering the web page content in the HTML markup. This ensures that the user is not surprised with unexpected behaviour of tabbing, the developer does not produce a sloppy or illogical reading order which is masked by the user of tabindex, and normal reading order matches the tab order.

Requirement

Do not use the tabindex attribute on any HTML element.

Recommendation

Alter the order of content within the HTML markup to ensure that tab order is logical.

Checking Tool

• Internet Explorer - AIS toolbar: Structure > Tabindex
• Firefox - Web Developer's Toolbar: Information > Display Tabindex