Standards · WCAG 2.2

SC 2.5.7 Level AA WCAG 2.2 New in 2.2

Dragging Movements

Any function that uses a dragging movement must also be operable with a single-pointer action that does not require dragging — usually a tap or click. New in WCAG 2.2.

What it asks

If a feature can be performed by dragging — reordering items, adjusting a slider, panning a map, signing a signature pad, sliding a unlock toggle — there must also be a way to perform the same function with a single-pointer action that is not a drag. Tap a button, click an arrow, type a value, pick from a menu: any of those satisfies the SC.

The rule applies whether the drag is horizontal, vertical, or freeform. The exemption is when the dragging is essential to the function — drawing in a paint app, dragging the analog stick of a virtual joystick.

How to meet it

  • Sortable lists: add up/down arrow buttons next to each item, or a “Move to position…” menu. Drag still works for mouse users; the buttons cover everyone else.
  • Sliders: ship <input type="range"> (or role="slider" with arrow-key support) so values can be set with the keyboard or by typing a number into a paired input.
  • Map pan/zoom: add visible zoom-in/zoom-out and directional pan controls, or accept a search field for direct navigation.
  • Carousels: provide Previous / Next buttons in addition to swipe.
  • Range/price filters that use a dual-handle slider: pair them with two number inputs.
  • Drag-to-dismiss banners and modals: add a visible Close button.
  • Signature capture: offer a “type your name” alternative.

Common failures

  • Trello-style kanban boards where the only way to move a card between columns is to drag it.
  • Reorder handles on settings or playlists with no keyboard or button alternative.
  • Two-handle range sliders that require dragging both ends and have no min/max inputs.
  • Image comparison sliders (before/after) with no buttons to step the divider.
  • Color pickers where the only way to adjust hue/saturation is to drag inside the picker.
  • “Slide to confirm” or “slide to unlock” controls with no tap alternative.
  • Custom date-range pickers that require drag-selecting across calendar cells.

Why it matters

Dragging is hard or impossible for users with limited fine-motor control, tremor, one-handed phone use, mouth-stick or head-pointer users, and anyone on a trackpad whose hand cramps after a few drags. It is also a problem for many switch-control and voice-control users — there is no obvious voice command for “drag the third card to the second column.” 2.5.7 is new in WCAG 2.2 and it has reshaped how product teams design reorder UI: most modern design systems now ship arrow-button alternatives by default. Expect this SC to be a frequent finding on dashboards, project-management tools, and any UI built around sortable lists.