Keyboard Navigation

Opening Global Search

Primary Method

Keyboard Shortcut:

• Mac: Cmd + K
• Windows/Linux: Ctrl + K
• Instant open
• Auto-focuses input

Alternative Method:

• Click search icon in admin toolbar
• Same functionality
• Opens modal

Navigation Keys

Arrow Keys

Arrow Down (↓):

• Move to next result
• Cycles through results
• Wraps to beginning
• Visual highlighting

Arrow Up (↑):

• Move to previous result
• Cycles through results
• Wraps to end
• Visual highlighting

Navigation Behavior:

• Cycles through all results
• Includes quick actions
• Includes recently accessed
• Includes frequently used

Selection

Enter Key:

• Select active result
• Execute action
• Navigate to item
• Close modal

Selection Process:

1. Navigate to result
2. Press Enter
3. Action executes
4. Modal closes
5. Navigation occurs

Closing

Escape Key (Esc):

• Close modal
• Clear search
• Cancel operation
• Return to page

Close Behavior:

• Clears search query
• Resets active index
• Hides modal
• Returns focus

Keyboard Shortcuts Reference

Quick Reference Table

Visual Feedback

Active Result Highlighting

Visual Indicator:

• Highlighted background
• Different color
• Clear indication
• Smooth transitions

Highlight Colors:

• Light mode: Light gray background
• Dark mode: Dark gray background
• High contrast
• Clear visibility

Hover States

Mouse Interaction:

• Hover effects
• Visual feedback
• Interactive elements
• Clear affordances

Keyboard Focus:

• Same as hover
• Consistent styling
• Clear indication
• Accessible

Navigation Flow

Typical Workflow

Opening:

1. Press Cmd/Ctrl + K
2. Modal opens
3. Input focused
4. Ready to type

Searching:

1. Type search query
2. Results appear
3. Navigate with arrows
4. Select with Enter

Selecting:

1. Navigate to result
2. Press Enter
3. Action executes
4. Modal closes

Closing:

1. Press Esc
2. Modal closes
3. Search cleared
4. Return to page

Advanced Navigation

Result Cycling

Circular Navigation:

• Wraps at top
• Wraps at bottom
• Continuous cycling
• No dead ends

Result Order:

1. Quick Actions
2. Search Results (by category)
3. Recently Accessed
4. Frequently Used

Category Navigation

Within Categories:

• Navigate through items
• Category headers skipped
• Only results navigable
• Smooth movement

Between Categories:

• Seamless transition
• No category headers
• Continuous flow
• Natural navigation

Keyboard Tips

Efficient Navigation

Quick Access:

• Use Cmd/Ctrl + K to open
• Type to search
• Arrow keys to navigate
• Enter to select

Power User Tips:

• Use command syntax
• Filter by type
• Navigate quickly
• Select efficiently

Best Practices

Navigation:

• Use arrow keys for navigation
• Use Enter for selection
• Use Esc to cancel
• Use Cmd/Ctrl + K to open

Searching:

• Use command syntax
• Filter by type
• Type quickly
• Navigate results

Accessibility

Keyboard-Only Navigation

Full Support:

• All features accessible
• No mouse required
• Keyboard-only workflow
• Accessible design

Screen Readers:

• Proper ARIA labels
• Semantic HTML
• Keyboard navigation
• Accessible interface

Focus Management

Focus Handling:

• Auto-focus on open
• Focus on input
• Focus on results
• Focus on close

Focus Indicators:

• Clear focus states
• Visible indicators
• High contrast
• Accessible

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Shortcut Not Working:

• Check browser focus
• Verify no conflicts
• Try alternative method
• Check permissions

Navigation Not Working:

• Verify modal open
• Check focus state
• Try clicking first
• Refresh page

Results Not Navigating:

• Check if results exist
• Verify active index
• Try arrow keys
• Check keyboard

Solutions

Reset Navigation:

• Close and reopen modal
• Clear search
• Refresh page
• Check focus

Verify Shortcuts:

• Check browser shortcuts
• Verify no conflicts
• Test in different browser
• Check system shortcuts