Web Content Accessibility Guidelines a guide to the accessibility requirements
2 Operable

2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation

Conformance level: A
Criterion released in WCAG version: 2.1

Official description of the success criterion

For functionality that can be operated using a single pointer, at least one of the following is true:

  • No Down-Event: The down-event of the pointer is not used to execute any part of the function;
  • Abort or Undo: Completion of the function is on the up-event, and a mechanism is available to abort the function before completion or to undo the function after completion;
  • Up Reversal: The up-event reverses any outcome of the preceding down-event;
  • Essential: Completing the function on the down-event is essential. 

What to do?

Ensure users can easily cancel unintended actions triggered by pointer inputs.

Why is it important?

Reduces errors for users with motor impairments.

More about this criterion elsewhere