Why this matters
If focus hops from a title to a button at the bottom of the slide before reading the body text, the learner cannot follow the content. WCAG 2.4.3 requires focus to move in a logical, predictable sequence — one that matches the visual reading order.
Storyline 360 example
A Storyline slide has a title, three paragraphs, and two buttons. Nobody set the tab order manually, so Storyline used the order the objects were added to the slide. Focus jumps from the title straight to a bottom button, then back up to the first paragraph.
Rise 360 example
A Rise course includes a custom HTML embed that manages its own focus. When a learner Tabs into it, focus gets trapped or jumps in an unexpected direction.
How to fix it
- 1Open the Tab Order panel in Storyline and review the sequence
- 2Drag elements into the order a sighted reader would naturally encounter them
- 3Remove decorative elements from the tab order entirely
- 4Test the focus sequence with a keyboard after every significant slide edit
- 5For complex layouts, sketch the intended tab path before you start building
Fix in Storyline 360
- 1Go to Home > Tab Order
- 2Drag items into the correct reading sequence
- 3Remove decorative images and shapes from the list
- 4Check the order again after any slide redesign
Fix in Rise 360
- 1Rise sets focus order based on block order — rearrange blocks to fix the sequence
- 2Do not embed custom HTML that overrides Rise's focus management
- 3Test keyboard navigation after adding any custom blocks
Common questions
What is focus order in eLearning?
Focus order is the sequence in which keyboard focus moves through elements when a learner presses Tab. It should follow the natural reading order of the content so the experience makes sense without seeing the layout.
How do I fix tab order in Storyline 360?
Open the Tab Order panel from the Home tab. Drag items into the correct sequence. Remove anything decorative. Test by publishing and pressing Tab through the slide.
Why does Storyline have the wrong tab order by default?
Storyline sequences Tab stops in the order objects were added to the slide. If you built the slide in a non-linear order — which happens all the time — the default tab sequence will not match the visual layout. Always set it manually.
Does Rise 360 have focus order issues?
Rise generally handles focus well because it follows block order. Problems appear when custom HTML embeds or third-party content take over focus management and interrupt the expected flow.
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