Focus Order Analyzer

Focus order is the sequence in which interactive elements receive focus when a user presses the Tab key. A logical focus order is essential for keyboard-only and assistive technology users. It directly impacts accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.4.3).

Paste your HTML fragment into the editor and click Analyze. The tool renders your code in a sandboxed iframe, scans all naturally focusable elements (links, buttons, inputs, and elements with tabindex), sorts them according to the standard focus algorithm, and displays the exact order. You can click items in the list to programmatically focus them or just Tab through the preview.

The most frequent issues include: using positive tabindex values (which can create a confusing non‑DOM order), hidden focusable elements, skip links that don’t target actual content, and dynamic content changes that disrupt the expected flow. Our tool highlights elements with suspicious tabindex so you spot them immediately.

tabindex="0" makes an element focusable in the natural DOM order. It does not change the sequence. However, tabindex="-1" removes the element from the tab order but still allows programmatic focusing – useful for modals and skip-links.

First, identify the problematic element in the list. Then, restructure your HTML so the visual order matches the DOM order. Avoid positive tabindex values; use tabindex="0" only when you need to make an originally non-focusable element (like a <div>) part of the sequential navigation. After making changes, re‑analyze to confirm the new order.