Web/HTML/Global attributes/accesskey

From Get docs


The accesskey global attribute provides a hint for generating a keyboard shortcut for the current element. The attribute value must consist of a single printable character (which includes accented and other characters that can be generated by the keyboard).


Note: In the WHATWG spec, it says you can specify multiple space-separated characters, and the browser will use the first one it supports. However, this does not work in most browsers. IE/Edge uses the first one it supports without problems, provided there are no conflicts with other commands.


The way to activate the accesskey depends on the browser and its platform:

Windows Linux Mac
Firefox Alt + Shift + key On Firefox 57 or newer: Control + Option + key or Control + Alt + key

On Firefox 14 or newer: Control + Alt + key On Firefox 13 or older: Control + key

Internet Explorer Alt + key

Alt + Shift + key

N/A
Edge N/A Control + Option + key

Control + Option + Shift + key

Google Chrome Alt + Shift + key
Safari N/A
Opera 15+ Alt + key Control + Alt + key
Opera 12 Shift + Esc opens a contents list which are accessible by accesskey, then, can choose an item by pressing key

Accessibility concerns

In addition to poor browser support, there are numerous concerns with the accesskey attribute:

  • An accesskey value can conflict with a system or browser keyboard shortcut, or assistive technology functionality. What may work for one combination of operating system, assistive technology, and browser may not work with other combinations.
  • Certain accesskey values may not be present on certain keyboards, especially when internationalization is a concern. So adapting to specific languages could cause further problems.
  • accesskey values that rely on numbers may be confusing to individuals experiencing cognitive concerns, where the number doesn't have a logical association with the functionality it triggers. 
  • Informing the user that accesskeys are present, so that they are aware of the functionality. If the system lacks a method of notifying the user about this feature, the user might accidentally activate accesskeys.

Because of these issues, it is generally advised not to use accesskeys for most general-purpose websites and web apps.

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
HTML 5.2The definition of 'accesskey' in that specification. Recommendation More realistic behavior described for what is implemented in reality.
HTML Living StandardThe definition of 'accesskey' in that specification. Living Standard No change from latest W3C HTML 5.1 spec.
HTML 5.1The definition of 'accesskey' in that specification. Recommendation No change from HTML5.
HTML5The definition of 'accesskey' in that specification. Recommendation From HTML 4.01 Specification, several characters can now be set as the accesskey. Also, it can be set on any element.
HTML 4.01 SpecificationThe definition of 'accesskey' in that specification. Recommendation Only supported on <a>, <area>, <button>, <input>, <label>, <legend> and <textarea>

Browser compatibility

Update compatibility data on GitHub

Desktop Mobile
Chrome Edge Firefox Internet Explorer Opera Safari Android webview Chrome for Android Firefox for Android Opera for Android Safari on iOS Samsung Internet
accesskey Chrome

Full support Yes

Edge

Full support 12

Firefox

Full support Yes

IE

Full support Yes

Opera

Full support Yes

Safari

Full support Yes

WebView Android

Full support Yes

Chrome Android

Full support Yes

Firefox Android

Full support Yes

Opera Android

Full support Yes

Safari iOS

Full support Yes

Samsung Internet Android

Full support Yes

Legend

Full support  
Full support


See also

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