Staff can complete Alliants Experience Platform request forms entirely using the keyboard. This makes it faster and easier to handle high volumes of requests, and improves accessibility for users who prefer not to use a mouse.
What’s changed?
Previously, some parts of staff request forms required mouse clicks to move between fields or select options. With this update:
All fields on staff request forms can be reached using the Tab key
Field options can be selected using arrow keys and keyboard shortcuts (where supported by the browser)
You can submit forms using the keyboard
This applies to all standard staff request forms in the Alliants Experience Platform.
How to navigate request forms with your keyboard
Move between fields
Tab: move to the next field or button
Shift + Tab: move to the previous field or button
You can tab through:
Text inputs
Dropdowns
Date selectors (focus moves into the date field; you can then use the keyboard as supported by your browser)
Checkboxes and radio buttons
Action buttons (such as Submit / Create / Save)
Enter text
When a text or textarea field is focused:
Type as usual on your keyboard
Press Tab to move to the next field
Press Shift + Tab to go back to the previous field
Use dropdowns and selection fields
For most dropdowns and selection inputs:
Tab until the dropdown is focused
Press Enter or Space to open the list (browser-dependent)
Use Up / Down arrow keys to move between options
Press Enter to select an option
Press Tab to move to the next field
If your browser handles dropdowns slightly differently, standard browser keyboard controls will still apply.
Checkboxes and radio buttons
When a checkbox or radio button is focused:
Press Space to select or unselect a checkbox
Use Arrow keys (Up/Down or Left/Right) to move between radio button options (where supported)
Press Space or Enter to select a radio option
Submit the form
When you reach the bottom of the form:
Tab until the Create Request button is highlighted
Press Enter to submit the form
If any required fields are missing or invalid, the system will show validation messages as usual. You can then use Shift + Tab or Tab to move to the highlighted field and correct it using the keyboard.
Benefits for your teams
Faster handling during busy shifts – staff can complete forms without switching between keyboard and mouse
More accessible workflows for users who have difficulty using a mouse or prefer keyboard navigation
More consistent data capture – easier, smoother navigation reduces missed fields and errors
Tips & known behaviours
Keyboard behaviour may vary slightly by browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox), especially for native dropdowns and date pickers.
If you are using browser extensions that change keyboard shortcuts, they may override some default behaviours.
This change does not remove mouse support – staff can still use mouse and keyboard together as preferred.
You will need to use the mouse to select your request type first and then can tab through the options thereafter.