Synonyms: Input field with suggestion list, autocomplete search, auto suggestion box

See also: selection list, drop-down list, menu button, input field (one-line),, combined input field

Input fields with the autocomplete function allow for text to be entered freely and the selection of options from a list, whereby the list is only opened after the text has been input.

In the closed state, an input field with autocomplete function consists of a single input field. In the opened state, a selection list is displayed underneath (possibly with a scrollbar). The options of the selection list can be grouped. The labeling of the groups cannot be selected.

Input fields with the autocomplete function can also add the first hit to the input field automatically, so that this can be adopted immediately (Inline-Autocomplete). In this case, the text cursor remains at the position of the last character entered.

Figure 41: Input field with autocomplete function

Presentation

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The requirements concerning the input field are described in the “input field” section. Here, only the additional requirements are described which result from the fact that it is an input field with autocomplete function.

No.PropertyDescriptionClassificationReference
617ContrastThe labeling of the options in the selection list of the autocomplete function must have a contrast of at least 4.5:1.MustEN 301 549: 9.1.4.3, 11.1.4.3
618ContrastThe selected option in the selection list of the autocomplete function must have a contrast of at least 3:1 with respect to the neighboring options.MustEN 301 549: 9.1.4.11, 11.1.4.11
619Focus visibilityIn the case of keyboard navigation through the list entries, the current option must be displayed in the visible area.MustEN 301 549: 11.2.4.7

Operation

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The requirements concerning the input field are described in the “input field” section. Here, only the additional requirements are described which result from the fact that it is an input field with autocomplete function.

No.PropertyDescriptionClassificationReference
620Use of the keyboardIt must be possible to access, operate and exit the options in the selection list of the autocomplete function with the keyboard (see Use of the keyboard table, below).MustEN 301 549: 9.2.1.1, 11.2.1.1, 9.2.1.2, 11.2.1.2
621UpdatesWhen focusing and operating the input field with the autocomplete function, no unexpected change of context may occur.MustEN 301 549: 11.3.2.1 und 11.3.2.2
622Click areaThe click area of the list entries in the selection list should be at least 24 x 24 px.ShouldWCAG 2.2: 2.5.8 (AA)

Use of the keyboard: input field with autocomplete function

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ActionKeyClassification
Opening of the selection listText inputRequired
Closing the selection listENTER
ESC
TAB
Text input that does not lead to any results from the autocomplete function		Reauired
Operation of the selection list (selection of the previous or following value)UPP ARROW, DOWN ARROWRequired
Operation of the selection list (selection of a value before or after with a defined increment)PAGE UP, PAGE DOWN

Note: The increment should correspond to the amount of visible options.

Recommended

Use of the pointing device: input field with autocomplete function

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ActionKeyClassification
Closing the selection listLeft click on a value within the open listRequired
Closing the selection listLeft click outside the combined input field (consisting of the input field and the selection list)Required
Value selection within the selection listLeft click on a valueRequired

Programming/interfaces

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The requirements concerning the input field are described in the “input field” section. Here, only the additional requirements are described which result from the fact that it is an input field with autocomplete function.

No.PropertyDescriptionClassificationReference
623RoleThe input field role must be communicated to the Accessibility API (see Accessibility API)

Note: If the technology used does not know the input field with autocomplete function role, the input field role must be used. In this case, the description should make reference to the autocomplete function.

MustEN 301 549: 9.4.1.2, 11.4.1.2, 11.5.2.5
624Desktop: Element hierarchyThe parent / child relationships of the elements within the list must be communicated to the Accessibility API.MustEN 301 549: 911.5.2.9
624StatusThe status of the selection list of the autocomplete function must be communicated to the Accessibility API (see Elementstatus).

Note: This applies to the “open” or “closed” status, for example.

MustEN 301 549: 9.4.1.2, 11.4.1.2, 11.5.2.5, 1.5.2.9
625NameThe group label of the list entries must (if available) be communicated to the Accessibility API.MustEN 301 549: 9.1.3.1, 11.1.3.1
626OperationIt must be possible to access, operate and exit the selection list of the autocomplete function with assistive technology (see Accessibility API).MustEN 301 549: 9.4.1.2, 11.4.1.2, 11.5.2.12, 11.5.2.17
627UpdateUpdates concerning the Accessible Name, value or status of the combined input field must be communicated to the Accessibility API (see Accessibility API).

Note: This applies in particular to the displaying of the selection list of the autocomplete function, as otherwise it is not perceptible that values are available for selection.

MustEN 301 549: 9.4.1.2, 11.4.1.2, 11.5.2.15
628Desktop: PositionThe size and position of the selected elements in the selection list must be communicated to the Accessibility API (see Focus indicator))MustEN 301 549: 11.5.2.13

Information about this article

Date:
6.12.2024
License:
CC-BY-SA 4.0
Version:
1.0

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