A technique that keeps keyboard focus inside an open dialog or menu, so pressing Tab cycles only through that element's controls instead of wandering off to the page behind it.
Synonyms
- focus containment
Related terms
- modal dialog
- keyboard navigation
- accessibility
- focus management
In plain words
- keeps tabbing stuck inside the popup
- the popup that won't let your keyboard escape until you close it
Usage example
The modal sets a focus trap so keyboard users can't accidentally tab into the hidden page.
Don't confuse with…
- focus ringA focus ring is the visible outline on the selected control; a focus trap is the behaviour that keeps focus within a region.
Categories
- Interaction patterns