Operable · Navigable

2.4.12 Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced)

AAA only: the stricter version of 2.4.11, where the focused element must never be even partially hidden by other content.

Level AAA Added in WCAG 2.2 Needs manual review

What WCAG 2.4.12 Requires

AAA only: the stricter version of 2.4.11, where the focused element must never be even partially hidden by other content.

Can AccessBell Test This Automatically?

Not fully. Like most WCAG criteria that depend on meaning or context, this one needs a person to judge. AccessBell's report lists it for manual review rather than marking it pass or fail automatically, so it never gets missed.

How to Test It by Hand

Tab through the page and confirm the focused element is fully visible at all times, with no partial overlap.

Common Failures

  • A sticky footer partially overlaps the bottom of a focused element, which fails the stricter AAA requirement even if 2.4.11 AA passes.

WCAG 2.4.12 Questions

What does WCAG 2.4.12 require?

AAA only: the stricter version of 2.4.11, where the focused element must never be even partially hidden by other content.

Can AccessBell test WCAG 2.4.12 automatically?

Not fully. This criterion needs a person to judge, so AccessBell's report lists it for manual review rather than marking it pass or fail on its own.

What level is WCAG 2.4.12?

Level AAA, added in WCAG 2.2. Level AAA is the highest, most demanding conformance level in WCAG.

Sources

This page explains a technical standard and is not legal advice. See our disclaimer.

Check Your Site Against WCAG 2.4.12

Run a free scan and see whether your pages pass 2.4.12 Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced), along with every other criterion in WCAG 2.2, 2.1 or 2.0.

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