Keyboard interactions

Key
Interaction
Tab
Tabbing into a text area selects the existing text.
Shift + Tab
Moves focus to the previous focusable element.
Enter
Inserts a new line at the caret position.
Arrow keys
Move caret through text; with Shift, extend text selection.
Home / End
Move caret to start/end of line (platform behavior may vary).
Ctrl/Cmd + A
Select all text in the text area.

Note: Standard native text-editing shortcuts (copy, paste, undo, redo, delete, word navigation) should be preserved and not overridden.

Cursor guidelines

Cursor
Description
Text
Use text cursor over editable text area content in all states.
Pointer
Any clickable control that is part of the text area (e.g., clear/reveal/help icon) uses the pointer cursor.
Move (up/down and left/right)
Use while dragging the resize handle (if resizing is enabled).

WCAG 2.2 compliance

Any criterion not mention in the below table are not applicable to this component or are resolved with underlying requirements, engineering, and styles of the entire system.

1 . Perceivable

Requirement
Criterion
Level
Compliance
Non-text content
1.1.1
A
Non-text elements, such as icons paired with a text area (validation icons, clear-input icons), must provide a text alternative. All text areas need an accessible name (via a visible label, title, aria-label, or associated text) so screen readers can announce their purpose.
Info and relationships, Identify purpose
1.3.1, 1.3.6
A, AAA
Text areas should be understandable by assistive technologies. The label, help text, error message, and required state must be programmatically associated with the field using semantic HTML or ARIA.
Contrast
1.4.3
AA
The visual presentation of text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.
Resize text
1.4.4
AA
Text areas can be resized up to 200% without loss of content or functionality and without assistive technology.
Visual presentation
1.4.8
AAA
The width of text blocks is no more than 80 characters (40 for CJK languages), and text is never justified.
Non-text contrast
1.4.11
AA
The visual presentation of illustrations, icons, and component states have a contrast ratio of at least 3:1. Not applicable for empty fields.
Text spacing
1.4.12
AA
Line height of text is at least 1.5x the font size.

2 . Operable

Requirement
Criterion
Level
Compliance
Keyboard
2.1.1, 2.1.3
A, AAA
All functionality of the component is operable through a keyboard without specific timing for keystrokes.
Keyboard traps
2.1.2
A
Focus can be moved away from the component using only a keyboard.
Seizures and physical reactions
2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3
A, AAA, AAA
There is no flashing content or unnecessary motion or animation in this component.
Focus order
2.4.3
A
Navigation sequences receive focus in an order that preserves meaning and operability.
Focus visible
2.4.7
AA
Keyboard states use an indicator that is visible with at least 3:1 contrast.