Storyline 360 supports navigation for learners using a screen reader, a keyboard, or both. As an author, you control how learners move through content by setting the focus order on each slide.

Use this article to understand how navigation works in Storyline 360 and what learners experience when courses are designed with accessible navigation in mind. In this article:

• Understand How Navigation Works
• Use Common Keyboard Shortcuts
• Use Built-In Accessibility Features
• Apply These Practices

Understand How Navigation Works

Focus order defines the sequence in which elements receive keyboard focus and are read by screen readers. Focus order also determines how learners move between layers, objects, and interactive elements. Set the focus order on each slide to create a logical, predictable experience.

After setting the focus order, learners can navigate content using a screen reader, a keyboard, or both. 

Support screen reader navigation

Support screen reader navigation by ensuring content follows a logical focus order. Screen reader users rely on keyboard input to move through content.

• Use arrow keys to move through content in the defined focus order
• Press Tab or Shift+Tab to move between interactive elements
• Press Enter or Space to activate an interactive element

Support keyboard-only navigation

Keyboard-only users navigate using standard keyboard interactions.

• Press Tab or Shift+Tab to move between interactive elements
• Press Enter or Space to activate an interactive element

Set the focus order so learners can move efficiently between interactive elements without tabbing through unnecessary content

Use Common Keyboard Shortcuts

Storyline 360 supports standard keyboard interactions that many learners already use on the web. These patterns help create a consistent and predictable experience across courses.

• Press Tab or Shift+Tab to move between interactive elements
• Use arrow keys to move through related controls, such as radio buttons, tabs, or dropdowns
• Press Space to select or toggle items, such as checkboxes and buttons
• Press Enter to activate controls such as submit buttons or links
• Press Escape to close modals, tooltips, or other pop-ups

Learn how learners navigate quiz questions using a screen reader or keyboard in Storyline 360.

Use Built-In Accessibility Features

Use Storyline 360 features to support consistent, accessible navigation.

• Avoid overlapping audio between narration, video, and screen reader output by giving learners control over when content is read
• Use built-in text styles (such as headings, lists, and links) to create a clear structure that supports navigation and understanding
• Ensure interactive elements such as buttons, hotspots, dropdowns, and media controls work with keyboard and screen readers
• Support predictable behavior for layers, lightboxes, and dialogs so focus moves appropriately and content is announced clearly

Apply These Practices

Combine focus order, keyboard support, and built-in features to create a consistent navigation experience.

Test your course using a keyboard and a screen reader to confirm that:

• Content follows a logical reading order
• Interactive elements are reachable and usable
• Focus moves predictably between layers and interactions
• Instructions and labels are clear and descriptive