WCAG 2.5.1: Pointer Gestures

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OVERVIEW

Effort:

  • Complexity:Easy
  • Duration:Slow

Important for:

Development

What's it about?

Functions that require multi-finger or complex gestures, such as swiping, dragging, rotating, or pinching, must also be operable through simple pointer interactions, for example with a single click or tap.

This ensures that all users can use the function, even if precise gestures or multi-finger actions are difficult for them.

Complex gestures can appear in two forms:

  • Path-based gestures: the entire movement matters, not just the start and end point. Example: swiping left or right.

  • Multi-point gestures: multiple touch points are required at the same time, such as pinching on the screen.

Illustration of a smartphone showing a supposedly sexy triangle. Above it is the text *Swipe left or right! Below are two buttons representing Yes and No. A note explains that swipe actions are only accessible if there are clickable button alternatives.

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.

  • Alternative for complex gestures

    Any function that requires complex pointer movements must also be operable through simple input methods, such as clicking, tapping, or pressing the Enter key.

    Content that is confirmed by swiping right or deleted by swiping left should additionally be accessible via clear buttons like “Confirm” and “Delete.”

    Technique(s):

    Illustration of a smartphone. Inside it is an image of a triangle. Above it, it says: “Swipe left or right.” Below are two buttons symbolizing Yes and No. Next to it, it says that a swipe action is only accessible if there are buttons as an alternative to swiping.

    Notes

    • Exception: Essential gesture

      There is an exception to the rule for actions where the path-based gesture is essential.

      This includes signing on a screen or drawing a picture with a stylus on a tablet. In such cases, the exact gesture movement is necessary for the function and does not need to be replaced by a simple input.

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