Synonyms: Drag point, handle

See also: Section separator

A control point is used for the spatial editing of an element such as a graphic, a text block or an application window (see DIN EN ISO 9241-161: 8.16). The control point can, for instance, be used to scale, rotate, distort, or move the element.

A control point often consists of a small circle or square at the corners of the editable element. The editing options can also be shown on the control point. Control points are often only displayed when the corresponding element has focus. With application windows, the control point can also be invisible. A control point can have a context menu for further functions.

Figure 47: Control point

Presentation

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No.PropertyDescriptionClassificationReference
696ContrastThe control point must have a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 with respect to the background.MustEN 301 549: 9.1.4.11, 11.1.4.11
697Focus visibilityIf the control point receives the keyboard focus, the focus indicator must be visible (see Focus indicator).MustEN 301 549: 9.2.4.7, 11.2.4.7

Operation

Permalink "Operation"
No.PropertyDescriptionClassificationReference
698Use of the keyboardIt must be possible to access, operate and exit the control point with the keyboard (see Use of the keyboard table, below).
Alternatively, it must be possible to run all the functions of the control point with the keyboard. In this case, the use of the keyboard for the control point must be explained in the application and/or Help option. This does not apply to the control points of the application window if default operation has been implemented for them.
Exception: If the control point has no relevant function, it does not have to be keyboard-operable. This is the case, for example, if the control point is used to scale a display area, if all content is fully perceptible in the standard display, and if the scaling does not add any value.		MustEN 301 549: 9.2.1.1, 11.2.1.1, 9.2.1.2, 11.2.1.2
699Use of the pointing deviceThe use of the pointing device for the control point may not be complex.

Please note: Complex use of the pointing device means

  • multipoint operation (e.g. swiping with several fingers),
  • path-based operation (where the start and end points of the use of the pointing device are not just relevant, but at least one intermediate point is).

MustEN 301 549: 9.2.5.1, 11.2.5.1
700Use of the pointing deviceIt should also be possible to operate the control point without the dragging use of the pointing device.

Note: This can be achieved, for example, by clicking on the control point and then clicking on the target position.

MustWCAG 2.2
701Click areaThe click area of the control point should be at least 24 x 24 px (see Use of the pointing device).ShouldWCAG 2.2

Use of the keyboard: control point

Permalink "Use of the keyboard: control point"

Note: The following requirements only apply if the control point receives the focus with the keyboard.

Possible alternative forms of operation for keyboard users can be, for instance:

  • The scaling and moving of the application windows using the Windows methods (ALT+SPACE > move/resize > ARROW UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT),
  • The use of keyboard shortcuts, as described in the application and Help option,
  • Entry of explicit values for the size, position or rotation of an object in a dialog box, which is initialized by a keyboard shortcut or the context menu, for example (this alternative form of operation should be described in the application and the Help option).
ActionKeyClassification
Focusing of the control pointTABRequired
Exiting the control pointTABRequired
Operating the control pointUP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT ARROWRequired
Operating the control point with defined incrementCTRL+UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT ARROWRecommended
Proportional scalingSHIFT+UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT ARROWRecommended

Use of the pointing device: control point

Permalink "Use of the pointing device: control point"
ActionKeyClassification
Operating the control pointDragging the control point (drag and drop)Required
Operating the control pointLeft click to enable and move the pointing device, left click on the target positionRecommended
Proportional scalingSHIFT + dragging of the control pointRecommended

Programming/interfaces

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Note: The following requirements only apply if the control point receives the focus with the keyboard.

No.PropertyDescriptionClassificationReference
702RoleThe control point role must be communicated to the Accessibility API (see Accessibility API).MustEN 301 549: 9.4.1.2, 11.4.1.2, 11.5.2.5
703ValueThe value of the control point (e.g. rotation in degrees) must be communicated to the Accessibility API (see Accessibility API).MustEN 301 549: 9.4.1.2, 11.4.1.2, 11.5.2.7
704Desktop: Value rangeThe minimum and maximum value of the control point must be communicated to the Accessibility API (see Accessibility API).MustEN 301 549: 11.5.2.7
705StatusThe status of the control point must be communicated to the Accessibility API (see Element status).MustEN 301 549: 9.4.1.2, 11.4.1.2, 11.5.2.5
706NameThe control point must have a concise and expressive Accessible Name.

Note: A control point typically has no visible label. The name of the control point should describe the function (for example, “lower vertical scaling”).

MustEN 301 549: 9.2.4.6, 11.2.4.6, 9.4.1.2, 11.4.1.2, 11.5.2.5
707NameIf the control point has a description, it must be communicated as an Accessible Description.MustEN 301 549: 9.4.1.2, 11.4.1.2, 11.5.2.5
708OperationIt must be possible to access, operate and exit the control point 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
709UpdateUpdates concerning the Accessible Name, value or status of the control point must be communicated to the Accessibility API (see Accessibility API).MustEN 301 549: 9.4.1.2, 11.4.1.2, 11.5.2.15
710Desktop: PositionThe size and position of the control point must be communicated to the Accessibility API (see Focus indicator).MustEN 301 549: 11.5.2.5

Information about this article

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

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