If You Can’t Navigate It, You Can’t Use It

Accessibility isn’t just about being able to see content — it’s also about being able to interact with it. That’s the second principle of accessibility: Operable.

If someone tries to use your document with a keyboard or screen reader, can they get through it easily?

What “Operable” Means (in Plain English)

To be operable, your document must:

• Let users navigate with keyboard controls (like the tab key)
• Follow a logical tab and reading order
• Avoid content that causes confusion or seizures (like flashing)
• Label form fields and interactive elements clearly

Your Recipe to Make Content Operable

Step 1: Use real heading styles
Avoid bolded text — apply actual H1, H2, etc., to guide navigation.

Step 2: Set tab order and bookmarks in PDFs
Ensure screen readers move through content in the correct order.

Step 3: Make all form fields accessible
Use labels, instructions, and logical tab flow for every input.

Step 4: Avoid flashing elements
Rapid movement or flickering visuals can trigger seizures or overwhelm users.

Quick Tip to Remember

If you can’t move through your file using just the tab key, it’s not fully operable.

Make Your Documents Usable by Everyone

Design53 helps organizations go beyond visual polish — we ensure every document works with assistive technology and keyboard-only users.