2.4.1: Bypass Blocks

What it means

Provide a way to skip repeated blocks of content — usually a “Skip to main content” link — so keyboard users do not tab through the whole navigation on every page. The skip link should appear on focus and jump to the main landmark.

Repeated headers and menus slow down every page visit.

How to fix it

• Add a visible-on-focus skip link as the first focusable element.
• Point the link to the main content id (for example #main-content).
• Include skip links for repetitive sidebars on complex apps if needed.
• Test that activating the skip link moves focus to meaningful content.

Quick examples

• Good: Pressing Tab on load reveals “Skip to main content” which jumps past the nav.
• Bad: Keyboard users tab through 30 menu items before reaching the article.
• Good: The main region has id=“main” and role=“main”.
• Bad: A skip link exists but points to a broken anchor.