Go back to archives
Why every website needs a ‘Skip to Content’ button
2 minutes read time · 376 words · Blog
When you visit a website, you usually just scroll past the navigation to get to the content. But for people using keyboard navigation or screen readers, this can be a real struggle.
If they have to press the Tab key 20 times just to skip past a huge menu, that’s frustrating. That’s why a ‘Skip to Content’ button is so important. It helps users jump straight to the main content without having to go through every menu link first.
What is a ‘Skip to Content’ button?
A ‘Skip to Content’ button is a small, usually hidden link at the top of a page. When someone presses Tab on their keyboard, the link appears. If they press Enter, it skips past the menu and goes straight to the content.
This helps:
- People using screen readers, so they don’t have to listen to every menu item before reaching the main content.
- People who navigate with a keyboard, making it quicker and easier to move through the site.
- Anyone who prefers using shortcuts instead of a mouse.
How to add a ‘Skip to Content’ button
Adding this feature is simple. You only need a few lines of HTML and CSS.
1. Add this to your HTML
Place this before your navigation menu:
html
<a href="#main-content" class="skip-to-content">Skip to content</a>
<header>
<nav>
<!-- Your navigation menu here -->
</nav>
</header>
<main id="main-content">
<h1>Welcome to My Website</h1>
<p>This is where the main content begins.</p>
</main>
2. Style it with CSS
This makes sure the link is hidden until it is needed:
css
.skip-to-content {
position: absolute;
top: 10px;
left: 10px;
background: black;
color: white;
padding: 10px;
text-decoration: none;
z-index: 1000;
transform: translateY(-100%);
transition: transform 0.2s ease-in-out;
}
.skip-to-content:focus {
transform: translateY(0);
}
This does a few things:
- The link stays hidden unless it’s focused.
- It appears when someone presses Tab.
- It has a smooth transition so it looks good.
Best Practices for a ‘Skip to Content’ Button
To make sure it works properly, follow these tips:
- Put it at the very top of your page, before the navigation menu.
- Test it to make sure it actually moves focus to the content.
- Use clear text like ‘Skip to Content’ so users know what it does.
- Make it visible on focus, so it appears when needed.
Why You Should Add This to Your Website
A ‘Skip to Content’ button may seem small, but it makes a huge difference for many users. It improves usability, enhances accessibility, and makes your website easier for everyone to navigate.
If your website has a large menu, don’t forget to add this feature. It’s a simple way to improve the experience for all your visitors!