Navigate Easily with Keyboard! A Guide to the Essential “Skip to Content” Feature in Web Accessibility

*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.

Introduction

Improving web accessibility requires a variety of technical considerations, and among them, the “Skip to Content” (Block Skip) feature is crucial for efficient site navigation. This feature greatly benefits visually impaired users using screen readers and those navigating with keyboards, providing an essential shortcut to bypass repetitive content. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of Block Skip, how to implement it, and ways to enhance user experience.

What is Block Skip?

Block Skip allows users to skip over repetitive elements like menus, headers, and sidebars, directing them straight to the main content. Most web pages include shared elements across multiple pages, such as navigation bars and header menus. For keyboard-only and screen reader users, navigating through these repeated sections can be time-consuming and tedious.

By offering a Block Skip feature, users can quickly access primary content, reducing unnecessary actions. This not only improves user experience but is also essential for meeting Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards for accessibility.

Why Block Skip is Important

The Block Skip feature is particularly beneficial for the following types of users:

• Visually Impaired Users: Screen reader users often need to listen to the navigation bar and menu items in their entirety. With Block Skip, they can bypass these sections and directly access the content, enhancing efficiency.
• Keyboard Users: Users navigating only with a keyboard need to use the Tab key to move through each menu and link. Block Skip saves time by reducing unnecessary navigation.
• Users with Motor Impairments: For those who find using a mouse difficult, efficient keyboard navigation is essential. Block Skip can help reduce the effort needed to navigate pages.

How to Implement Block Skip

Block Skip is a simple yet effective feature that requires only a small amount of code. A common approach is to place a “Skip Link” at the top of the page, which is set to be the first element focused on when navigating with the keyboard. Selecting this link will jump directly to the main content.

Basic HTML Implementation Example

Here is a basic example of implementing Block Skip in HTML:

<a href="#main-content" class="skip-link">Skip to Main Content</a>

<header>
  <!-- Header Content -->
</header>

<nav>
  <!-- Navigation Bar -->
</nav>

<main id="main-content">
  <!-- Main Content -->
</main>

In this code, the <a> tag creates a “Skip to Main Content” link, directing to the <main> tag with the id=“main-content”. This simple setup significantly streamlines keyboard navigation.

Styling with CSS for Visual Adjustment Typically, Block Skip links are only visible when accessed by keyboard to avoid visual distraction. Use CSS to adjust the styling:

.skip-link {
  position: absolute;
  top: -40px;
  left: 0;
  background-color: #000;
  color: #fff;
  padding: 8px;
  z-index: 100;
}

.skip-link:focus {
  top: 10px;
  outline: none;
}

In this styling, the link is hidden off-screen by default but becomes visible at the top when focused with the keyboard. This ensures it is only presented when needed by the user.

Effective Use of Block Skip

1. Provide Multiple Skip Points

For large websites with multiple content sections, offering multiple skip links is helpful. For instance, adding options like “Skip to Sidebar” or “Skip to Footer” can make navigation even more convenient for users.

2. Use Clear and Descriptive Labels

Avoid ambiguous terms like “Click here” for skip links. Instead, use specific labels such as “Skip to Main Content” or “Skip Navigation” to provide users with intuitive and easy-to-understand links.

3. Consider Visibility for Skip Links

Skip links should be easy for keyboard users to locate. Even if hidden visually, ensure they are clearly visible when focused with the keyboard. Particularly, make the link stand out with a strong, focused design when highlighted.

Conclusion

The Block Skip feature is a highly valuable tool from an accessibility perspective. By providing efficient navigation, especially for screen reader and keyboard-only users, Block Skip enhances the overall usability of a site. It is a simple yet impactful feature that every website should consider implementing.

Benefits of Block Skip Allows users to quickly access main content Supports screen readers and keyboard navigation Significantly improves accessibility with minimal implementation effort By incorporating the Block Skip feature, you can greatly enhance usability, making your website a more inclusive digital space for all users.

We have released the UUU Web Accessibility Widget Tool, designed to make web accessibility easy to implement. This tool helps improve the accessibility of websites quickly and efficiently, even without specialized knowledge.

If you’re interested in enhancing your website’s accessibility, please check out the details. We are here to support you in making your website more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.