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Level AAWCAG 2.0

2.4.5 Multiple Ways

More than one way is available to locate a web page within a set of web pages, except where the page is the result of, or a step in, a process.

Last reviewed: September 9, 2026

Understanding 2.4.5

Different users search for content in different ways: some prefer browsing a navigation menu, others prefer typing a search query, and others prefer scanning a sitemap or table of contents. This criterion exists so that if one navigation method doesn't work well for a given user, particularly people with cognitive disabilities or unfamiliar mental models of the site, an alternative path exists to reach the same content.

How to Meet It

Provide at least two of the following across a set of pages: a consistent navigation menu, a search feature, a sitemap, a table of contents, or a list of links to related pages. This requirement does not apply to a page that is one step of a sequential process (such as a multi-step checkout or a multi-page form submission), since forcing alternate paths through such a process could be actively confusing.

Code Examples

INCORRECT
<header>
  <nav><!-- primary navigation menu only --></nav>
</header>
<!-- No search, sitemap, or other way to locate other pages -->
CORRECT
<header>
  <nav><!-- primary navigation menu --></nav>
  <form role="search" action="/search">
    <label for="q">Search</label>
    <input id="q" type="search" name="q">
  </form>
</header>
<footer>
  <a href="/sitemap">Sitemap</a>
</footer>

Frequently Asked Questions

Does our checkout flow need a search box and sitemap link on every step?

No. The criterion has an explicit exception for pages that are the result of, or a step in, a process, such as a multi-step checkout, since offering escape routes mid-process could cause users to lose progress or abandon the task. Standard content pages outside that process still need multiple ways to be located.

Does a footer with a long list of links to every page on the site count as a second way?

Yes, a sitemap-style list of links (whether a dedicated sitemap page or a comprehensive footer) counts as one of the required 'ways', as does an on-site search feature, a table of contents, or a curated list of related pages. You need at least two distinct methods available, not just two instances of the same navigation menu.

Related Success Criteria

2.4.1 Bypass Blocks2.4.2 Page Titled2.4.3 Focus Order2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)

Quick Facts

  • Criterion2.4.5
  • LevelAA
  • IntroducedWCAG 2.0

Automate Compliance

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