Code Fix Guide

How to Fix Missing or Removed Focus Indicators

Many websites remove the default browser focus outline with 'outline: none' for aesthetic reasons, but this makes the site completely unusable for keyboard users. They can't see which element is currently focused. The fix isn't to keep the ugly default — it's to design a better focus indicator.

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

Globally removing focus outlines

Problem

*:focus {
  outline: none;
}

Fix

/* Remove only for mouse users, keep for keyboard */
*:focus:not(:focus-visible) {
  outline: none;
}

*:focus-visible {
  outline: 2px solid #0066cc;
  outline-offset: 2px;
  border-radius: 2px;
}

Removing focus from links

Problem

a:focus {
  outline: 0;
  text-decoration: none;
}

Fix

a:focus-visible {
  outline: 2px solid #0066cc;
  outline-offset: 2px;
}

a:focus:not(:focus-visible) {
  outline: none;
}

Removing all focus indicators from buttons

Problem

button:focus {
  outline: none;
  box-shadow: none;
}

Fix

button:focus-visible {
  outline: 2px solid #0066cc;
  outline-offset: 2px;
}

button:focus:not(:focus-visible) {
  outline: none;
}

Why This Matters

Invisible focus indicators violate WCAG 2.4.7 (Focus Visible). The :focus-visible CSS pseudo-class is the modern solution — it shows focus styles only for keyboard navigation, not mouse clicks, satisfying both design and accessibility requirements.

Related WCAG Criteria

1.4.11Non-text Contrast

Level AA — Perceivable

2.4.7Focus Visible

Level AA — Operable

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