Goal
Provide alternatives to drag-and-drop or dragging gestures.
Success Criterion · WCAG 2.5.7
Dragging Movements
All functionality that uses a dragging movement for operation can be achieved by a single pointer without dragging, unless dragging is essential or the functionality is determined by the user agent and not modified by the author.
Level AAWCAG 2.2Operable2.5 · Input Modalities
Copy button ready
What to do
If functionality requires dragging, provide a single-pointer alternative that does not require dragging.
Why it matters
Dragging can be difficult or impossible for users with motor impairments and some assistive technologies.
Success criterion
What WCAG 2.5.7 requires
Summarized directly from the official Understanding document so teams can quote the requirement accurately.
For functionality that uses a dragging movement for operation, an alternative is provided that does not require a dragging movement, unless the dragging movement is essential or the functionality is determined by the user agent and not modified by the author.
Intent
Why WCAG created this requirement
- Dragging is a common barrier for motor impairments.
- Provide equivalent operations without requiring continuous dragging.
- This is a WCAG 2.2 addition (Level AA).
Benefits
Who gains when you pass
- Users with limited dexterity can perform reordering and moving tasks.
- Keyboard users can reorder items using buttons or controls.
- Touch users avoid precision dragging requirements.
Why it matters
User impact when this criterion fails
Summaries drawn from the Understanding document help you socialize impact statements with product stakeholders.
Users may be unable to reorder lists or complete drag-based workflows.
Dragging-only interfaces can block access entirely.
Exception guidelines
Use the WCAG 2.5.7 exceptions correctly
Document the rationale for each exception and note which alternative support you provide.
Essential
Dragging is essential to the function.
Requirement
Only when the drag gesture itself is essential to meaning or task.
User agent
Functionality is determined by the user agent and not modified by the author.
Requirement
If UA-determined and unmodified, it may be exempt.
Overview
If your UI includes drag-to-reorder, drag-to-move, or drag-and-drop interactions, provide an alternative method such as buttons (“Move up/down”), menus (“Move to position”), or pick-and-place controls.
- Provide “grab/move/drop” controls that work by single click/keypress.
- Ensure alternatives are discoverable and not hidden behind hover-only UI.
- User-agent provided dragging (not author-modified) may be exempt.
Reference: All summaries and highlights originate from Understanding WCAG 2.5.7 and the W3C quick reference.
Fast facts
- Conformance level
- Level AA
- WCAG version introduced
- WCAG 2.2
- Principle
- Operable
- Guideline
- 2.5 · Input Modalities
Examples
Make success tangible for teams
Share pass/fail snapshots to coach designers, engineers, QA, and content authors.
Reorder list
Pass
Each item has “Move up” and “Move down” buttons plus optional drag handle.
Fail
List can only be reordered by dragging with a mouse.
Kanban board
Pass
Cards can be moved via “Move to column…” menu and keyboard controls.
Fail
Cards can only be moved by drag-and-drop.
Evidence to keep
Document conformance decisions
Capture artifacts for VPATs, procurement reviews, and regression testing.
- Document accessible reordering pattern used across the app.
- Capture evidence of drag alternatives on representative components.
Official resources
Deep dives and supporting material
Keep these links handy when writing acceptance criteria or responding to audits.
Implementation checklist
Capture progress and blockers
- Inventory drag-based features (reorder, drag-and-drop upload, canvas movement).
- Add non-drag alternatives: move up/down buttons, “Move to…” menus, add/remove controls.
- Ensure alternatives are keyboard accessible and announced properly.
- Keep visual affordance for drag handles but do not make them the only method.
- Document any essential drag-only features with rationale.
Testing ideas
Prove conformance with evidence
- Identify all drag interactions and verify an alternative exists.
- Use keyboard-only to complete the same outcome.
- Test on touch devices and confirm alternatives are usable without dragging.
- Confirm the alternative truly avoids dragging movement.
Related success criteria