Level ASince WCAG 2.1
2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts
Guideline 2.1: Keyboard Accessible – Everything also works without a mouse.
What does the rule require?
Shortcuts made of a single letter, digit or symbol can be turned off, changed, or are only active while the component has focus. Otherwise speech input or a slip triggers actions by accident.
How to get it right
Combine shortcuts with Ctrl, Alt or Cmd – or offer a setting to turn them off and remap them.
Who benefits most?
- People who use voice control
- People with motor disabilities
Official wording
This page explains the rule in simple words. Only the original W3C text is normative.
- “Understanding Character Key Shortcuts” at W3C (external site)
- Techniques in the WCAG Quick Reference (external site)