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Operable · Input Modalities

WCAG 2.5.7 Dragging Movements

Functionality that requires a dragging movement (reordering a list, adjusting a slider) must also be operable without dragging, for example with buttons or keyboard input.

2.5.7 Level AA Added in WCAG 2.2 Needs manual review

Anton StewartAuthor
Reviewed against the W3C Understanding document
Illustration: the universal access symbol, with WCAG 2.5.7 and Dragging Movements
Table of contents

What WCAG 2.5.7 Requires

Functionality that requires a dragging movement (reordering a list, adjusting a slider) must also be operable without dragging, for example with buttons or keyboard input.

How to Test It by Hand

Try completing any drag-based interaction using only clicks, taps or keyboard keys instead of a drag gesture.

Common Failures

  • A drag-to-reorder list has no "move up" / "move down" buttons as an alternative.
  • A custom slider can only be operated by dragging its handle, with no arrow-key support.

Testing WCAG 2.5.7 With AccessBell

This criterion depends on meaning or context, so it needs a person to judge. AccessBell's report lists it for manual review rather than marking it pass or fail automatically, so it is not missed.

Run a free scan to spot issues on your own pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does WCAG 2.5.7 require?

Functionality that requires a dragging movement (reordering a list, adjusting a slider) must also be operable without dragging, for example with buttons or keyboard input.

Can AccessBell test WCAG 2.5.7 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 2.5.7?

Level AA, added in WCAG 2.2. Level AA is the level referenced by the ADA, Section 508 and most accessibility laws.

Sources

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

About the Author

Anton StewartAuthor

Contributor, AccessBell

Anton Stewart writes and reviews accessibility guides for the AccessBell blog, checked against the W3C standards and other primary sources.

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