Forms submitted using buttons

Rule ID Focus 5
Definition Forms must use input[type="submit"] or other form control buttons for submitting forms.
Purpose
  • Using a submit button allows users to easily identify and control how to submit form information to a server for processing. Forms that are submitted through changes in focus or selection may result in users prematurely submitting the form or not being aware they submitted the form.
Required Yes for HTML5 and ARIA Techniques ruleset mapping
WCAG Success Criteria

3.2.2 On Input (Level A, Primary Success Criterion)

Rule Category Forms
Scope Element
Target Resources input[type="submit"], input[type="button"], input[type="image"], button, [role="button"]
  • button
Techniques
  • The preferred technique for submitting forms is with the use of the input[type="submit"] form control.
  • An alternative techniques include using other HTML form control elements, including input[type="button"], input[type="image"] or button elements with an accessible name indicating that the button is for submitting form information.
  • In the case when a non-form control element (e.g. a or div element) is being used to submit the form, the element can use ARIA [role="button"] attribute with the accessible name indicating that the button is for submitting form information.
Informational Links