The sequence in which items become selected as someone presses Tab through a page. A logical focus order follows the visual layout; a jumbled one makes keyboard users jump around confusingly.
Synonyms
- tab order
- tabbing order
Related terms
In plain words
- the order things get selected when you press Tab
- which field the keyboard jumps to next
Usage example
Their two-column form had a broken focus order that tabbed down the left column then jumped unexpectedly to the right.
Don't confuse with…
- reading orderReading order is the sequence a screen reader announces content; focus order is the sequence keyboard focus moves through interactive controls. They usually match but aren't identical.
Categories
- Accessibility