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TabbingNotSymmetric

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Tabbing backwards and forwards does not yield the same element. Expected {0} but received {1}

Type

Error

Description

When using standard keyboard navigation (Tab or Shift+Tab), it isn't possible to repeat the path of traversal through the element tree of the verification target if the direction of traversal is reversed. For example, tabbing forward (Tab) x times from element A(0) to element A(x) and then tabbing backward (Shift+Tab) x times results in element A(0) regaining focus through a different set of intermediate elements.

This issue causes problems for people who rely on a screen-reader and keyboard for navigation because traversing elements appears erratic and unpredictable.

Possible causes

  • Multiple elements or their parents are custom controls that don't implement tabbing correctly. For example, the MSAA State property is not set correctly.

Guidelines for Keyboard User Interface Design