WCAG Guideline 1.4.13: Content on Hover or Focus Explained
Estimated read time: 7–8 minutes
Guideline 1: Perceivable
The Perceivable principle ensures that all users can access and understand content, regardless of their sensory abilities. This includes making sure that additional content (like tooltips or popups) is accessible when triggered by hover or focus.
Guideline 1.4: Distinguishable
Guideline 1.4 focuses on making content easier to see and hear. Content on Hover or Focus ensures that popups, tooltips, and similar elements are usable by everyone.
What Is Guideline 1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus?
"Where receiving and then removing pointer hover or keyboard focus triggers additional content to become visible and then hidden, the following are true: the content can be dismissed, remains visible while hovered or focused, and is accessible."
Guideline 1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus is a Level AA requirement in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) .
- Additional content (tooltips, popups) must be dismissible, hoverable, and persistent while focused.
- Applies to any content that appears on hover or focus, not just tooltips.
- Ensures all users can access, read, and dismiss popups.
For more, see Access & Use: Content on hover & focus .
Why Does It Matter?
- Accessibility: Some users rely on keyboard navigation or assistive tech.
- Inclusivity: Ensures everyone can access and dismiss popups.
- Legal Compliance: Content on Hover or Focus is a Level AA requirement in WCAG 2.2.
- Usability: Prevents popups from blocking content or being inaccessible.
What Needs to Support Accessible Popups?
- Tooltips and help bubbles
- Dropdown menus
- Popups and overlays
- Any content triggered by hover or focus
All must be accessible, dismissible, and persistent while hovered or focused.
How to Meet Guideline 1.4.13
- Ensure popups can be dismissed without moving pointer or focus
- Keep content visible while hovered or focused
- Make popups accessible by keyboard and screen reader
- Avoid popups that disappear on accidental mouse movement
- Test with keyboard, mouse, and assistive tech
For more, see the W3C's Content on Hover or Focus Techniques .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Popups that disappear before users can interact
- No way to dismiss popups with keyboard
- Popups that trap focus or block content
- Not testing with keyboard and screen reader
Differences Between A, AA, and AAA for Guideline 1.4.13 in WCAG 2.2
- Level A: No specific requirement for content on hover or focus.
- Level AA: Requires popups/tooltips to be dismissible, persistent, and accessible.
- Level AAA: No additional requirements for content on hover or focus.
For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus .
Quick Checklist
- All popups/tooltips are dismissible
- Remain visible while hovered or focused
- Accessible by keyboard and screen reader
- Tested with keyboard, mouse, and assistive tech
Summary
Guideline 1.4.13 ensures all users can access, read, and dismiss popups and tooltips. Always test with keyboard and assistive tech to ensure accessibility.
Accessibility means everyone can access your content—make your popups work for all!