Reading Order in Web Content

What is it?

Reading order is the sequence in which assistive technology (like screen readers) navigates and announces the elements on a webpage. While users may read by jumping around the page to what looks or sounds interesting, a screen reader follows the DOM (Document Object Model) order—the literal order in which the code is written.

Why does it matter?

If the reading order is scrambled, a user might hear the “Submit” button before they hear the form instructions, or the photo caption before the photo. This creates a confusing and frustrating experience that can make a website unusable, even if it looks perfect to a sighted user.

When should pay attention?

While your web platform usually handles basic text order, you must manually manage the sequence for complex dashboards, maps, or data visuals. Some platforms often set the reading order based on the sequence in which you added elements to the view.

If building these visuals, pay close attention to your “Layers” or “Selection” pane. Ensure your data points, legends, and descriptions are ordered logically in the backend so they match the story you are telling visually. Review our guidance on Dashboards and Visualizations for step-by-step tips on managing “Tab Order” in data tools.

How do I check it?

You can check the reading order using an automated accessibility checker. Review Evaluating Third Party Web Content for details on getting started.