Operable · Level AAA · Introduced in WCAG 2.2
WCAG 2.4.12: Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced)
Published by whatisADA / Grow Wild Agency · Updated
What this criterion means
At Level AAA, no part of a component receiving keyboard focus may be hidden by author-created content. This strengthens the minimum rule that prohibits complete hiding.
A practical example
A fixed help bar leaves a button's label visible but covers half its clickable area. Move the bar, add scroll padding or change the layout so the entire focused component can be seen.
How to check it
- Navigate through all focusable components with persistent overlays and sticky regions enabled.
- Check the whole component boundary at each stop, including zoom and responsive layouts.
- Repair partial overlaps and repeat both forward and reverse keyboard navigation.
What can be missed
A component can satisfy the AA minimum while failing this enhanced rule. Test the whole component, not merely whether its focus outline or some text remains visible.
Record your test
Use this worksheet to record what you actually checked. Notes stay on this device when you choose Save; they are not sent to us. Avoid personal or confidential information on shared devices.
These are your observations, not automated results or a conformance certificate. A complete evaluation needs appropriate scope, supported technologies, all applicable criteria and relevant page states.
Primary sources and scope
This is independent implementation guidance with original examples. The linked standard contains the full definitions, exceptions and conformance requirements. A criterion or checklist alone does not establish legal applicability or whole-site conformance.