WCAG 2.4.5: Multiple Ways

Back to all WCAG criteria

OVERVIEW

Effort:

  • Complexity:Easy
  • Duration:Slow

Important for:

Design, Development

What's it about?

Users should have at least one additional way to access a website’s content besides the main navigation.

Illustration of a menu icon paired with a magnifying glass icon, and below it another menu icon paired with a sitemap icon.

How to

Depending on your situation, you can implement one of the following options to meet the criterion. For a deeper dive, please refer to the linked WCAG techniques.

  • Search

    Recommendation!

    In addition to the main navigation, a search function can also be provided. A search makes it possible to find content on a website more quickly than through the main navigation.

    People with visual impairments in particular often rely on search. To be effective, the search must cover all content on the website and not just individual areas such as blog posts.

    Technique(s):

    Illustration of a website that offers a search function in addition to the menu.

    Notes

    • Exception: Process Pages

      Pages that are part of a linear process (e.g., individual steps in a checkout) are exempt. In these cases, it usually only makes sense to follow the predefined path.

      Illustration of a website displaying the text: “Thank you for your order,” along with our mascot Tine, who is giving two thumbs up.

    • Exception: Very small websites

      For a website with only 3–4 subpages, all linked from the homepage, a simple menu is often sufficient.

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