Accesskey

Accesskey is an HTML attribute that defines a keyboard shortcut to activate or focus the element it appears on. It is a global attribute, meaning it can be used on most HTML elements, including links, buttons, inputs, and other interactive controls. The value is typically a single character or mnemonic that the user’s system or browser maps to a shortcut.

How it works depends on the browser and operating system. When the user presses the browser or system modifier key plus the assigned access key, the browser will either move focus to the element or trigger its action, depending on the element type. The exact keystroke varies by environment; common patterns include Alt+<key> on Windows and Linux, and Control+Option+<key> on macOS. Some browsers may grant exceptions or override certain shortcuts, and mobile browsers often ignore access keys.

Practical considerations and best practices include using access keys sparingly to avoid conflicts with built-in shortcuts and other applications. Choose rarely used keys and ensure the page remains navigable without relying on them. Provide clear labels (for example, in the element’s title attribute) so users understand the shortcut, and test across different browsers and platforms. Accessibility concerns include the possibility of conflicting with screen readers or assistive technologies, so it is advisable to document the shortcuts and offer alternative navigation.

Example: <a href="https://example.com" accesskey="x" title="Example (keyboard: Alt+X)">Example</a>.

Support and compatibility vary by browser and device; while most desktop browsers support accesskey, mobile support and the exact keystroke behavior are less consistent.