Proper focus styling is essential for accessibility. Here's how to implement it effectively.
Understanding Focus States#
Modern Focus Strategy#
Custom Focus Indicators#
Form Elements#
Button Styles#
Link Styles#
Dark Mode#
High Contrast Mode#
Focus Within Patterns#
Modal and Dialog#
Accessibility Best Practices#
Browser Support Fallback#
Best Practices#
Accessibility:
✓ Always provide visible focus indicators
✓ Ensure 3:1 contrast ratio
✓ Test with keyboard navigation
✓ Support high contrast mode
Design:
✓ Use :focus-visible for keyboard focus
✓ Match focus style to brand
✓ Use consistent focus patterns
✓ Consider dark/light modes
Implementation:
✓ Test in all browsers
✓ Provide fallbacks
✓ Use outline-offset for spacing
✓ Consider animation preferences
Avoid:
✗ Removing outline without replacement
✗ Low contrast focus indicators
✗ Inconsistent focus styles
✗ Ignoring form elements
Conclusion#
Focus styling is crucial for accessibility. Use :focus-visible for keyboard-only focus indicators, ensure sufficient contrast, and provide consistent patterns across your site. Never remove focus styles without providing an equally visible alternative.