Definition for WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.5.1
2.5.1 Pointer Gestures: All functionality that uses multipoint or path-based gestures for operation can be operated with a single pointer without a path-based gesture, unless a multipoint or path-based gesture is essential.
Note: This requirement applies to web content that interprets pointer gestures (i.e. this does not apply to gestures that are required to operate the user agent or assistive technology).
The intent of this success criterion is to ensure that, wherever possible, content can be operated through single point activation. Some users cannot perform complex gestures, such as multi-point or path-based gestures, in a precise manner: they may lack the accuracy or dexterity necessary to carry them out. Multi-point gestures include a two-finger pinch zoom, a split tap where one finger rests on the screen and a second finger taps, or a two- or three finger tap or swipe. Path-based gestures include swiping, dragging, or the drawing of a complex path. The path may be drawn with a finger or stylus on the screen, on a graphics tablet or on a trackpad, or with a mouse-operated or joystick-operated pointer.
Content must be operable without complex gestures. Complex multi-point or path-based gestures must also be operated using single-point activation. Single-point activation includes, but is not limited to, tapping, double tapping or long presses on a touchscreen, trackpad or drawing tablet. It also includes single clicks, click-and-hold and double clicks via mouse pointer input, or an equivalent single-point activation via trackpad or laser pointer input.
Note: The success criterion applies to author-created gestures, as opposed to gestures defined on the level of operating system or user agent. An example for gestures provided on the operating system level would be gestures for built-in assistive technologies (AT) to focus or activate content, or to call up AT menus. An example of user agent-implemented gestures would be horizontal swiping implemented by browsers for navigating within the page history, or vertical dragging to scroll page content.
Note: If there are no complex gestures, this success criterion is marked as not applicable.
Testing success criterion 2.5.1
Input into spreadsheet
- Fail
- One or more complex gesture operations cannot be performed using single point activation.
- Pass
- All complex gesture operations can be performed using single point activation.
- N/A
- The sample has no complex gestures.
How to test
- Identify all actions that require complex gestures.
- For each complex gesture, ensure the operation can be performed using single point activation. For example, the use of zoom and pan buttons, sliders that can be operated using cursor keys, sliders that can be operated by single tapping the slider groove, and so on.