1.3 Adaptable · Perceivable
WCAG 1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence
Level A
When the order of content matters, the DOM order must match the visually-presented order so screen readers and keyboard users encounter content in the same logical sequence.
Common failures
- CSS `order` or absolute positioning rearranges visible content while DOM order stays unchanged, confusing screen readers.
- Multi-column layouts read across columns when the visual flow is top-to-bottom.
How to fix
- Author the DOM in the intended reading order; let CSS handle visual layout.
- Avoid `flex-direction: row-reverse` for primary content flow.
Related criteria
- WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships Level A
- WCAG 2.4.3 Focus Order Level A