Navigation / The visual dictionary
Focus navigation.
Movement between interactive elements using a keyboard or directional controller.
Also calleddirectional focusspatial navigation
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UI illustrationSee it in context
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What it is
Movement between interactive elements using a keyboard or directional controller. Make the focused item unmistakable and keep directional movement logical and predictable.
When to use it
Use it for TV, keyboard, and assistive input experiences.
Know the difference
Focus identifies the next action target; selection identifies an active value or destination.
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Across platforms
WebiOSiPadOSAndroidmacOSWindowsLinuxwatchOSWear OStvOSAndroid TVvisionOS
Web · iOS · iPadOS · Android · macOS · Windows · Linux · watchOS · Wear OS · tvOS · Android TV · visionOS
TV remotes rely heavily on directional focus; web keyboard navigation normally follows document order.
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Go to the source
Primary documentation for the pattern and its platform conventions.