1.3.4 Orientation (A)
Understanding 1.3.4 Orientation (A)
A page view must not be locked to either horizontal or vertical views only, unless this is essential. ‘Essential’ orientation may considered to be in a messaging app, or when making music using a piano type application, viewing slides for a projector show, television or virtual reality content.
Why is this a problem?
Users with low-vision should be able to view content in the orientation that works best for them, due to the need for increased text size. For users with dexterity impairments, who mount a mobile device or tablet, they will need to see content in their preferred way.
Requirements / What to do?
- Each page should be viewed in an orientation that suits the user. Use CSS to allow both landscape and portrait.
- Users with low-vision should be able to view content in the orientation that works best for them.
- Users with low-vision should be able to view content in the orientation that works best for them, due to the need for increased text size and users with dexterity impairments, who mount a mobile device or tablet, will be able to use the content in their preferred way.
- Use show/hide controls to allow access to content in different orientations.
Common mistakes
- Locking the orientation of the device so it is set in one way only, and does not adapt.