General
In 5.8.13, we updated the element index search to ensure the “Filter” and “Clear search” buttons have adequate spacing when there’s text in the input. (#17692)
We also have several Image Editor improvements ready for release in 5.9.0.
First, we’ve updated the Orientation field to use the exclusive button group pattern (#17690). This update makes the field easier to understand by introducing a visible label and more easily recognizable icons.
In 5.8, we started making updates to ensure the cropping functions inside the Image Editor were fully accessible to screen reader and keyboard users. We’re finalizing these updates in 5.9 by ensuring the focal point editor is also keyboard-accessible. (#17880)
Learn more about how we’ve made the Image Editor accessible to screen readers and keyboard users from Lupe’s Dot All 2025 talk: Accessible Image Editing: Developing a Pattern for Keyboard and Screen Reader Accessibility.
Keyboard Navigation
Bypass Blocks
In 5.8.18, we fixed a bug with one of the global skip links. When the right sidebar was collapsed, the “Skip to right sidebar” skip link did not behave as expected, and keyboard focus was dropped. The skip link will now target the sidebar toggle wrapper when the right sidebar is collapsed. (#17847)
Focus Traps
In 5.8.13, we fixed a bug that caused the Image Editor focus trap to fail if a user clicked anywhere inside the modal. (#17455)
Focus Management
We fixed several issues where focus was dropped after performing various actions. These included:
- After saving an address (#17736)
- When closing the “Copy value from site” modal (#17846)
- After deleting a passkey (#17853)
Screen Reader Accessibility
Settings Navigation
In 5.8.7, we updated the Settings page to improve screen reader accessibility. (#17610)
First, all settings link lists are wrapped in labeled <nav> elements so their grouping is more apparent. Also, their accessible names include visually-hidden “Settings” text. For example, the link to Assets settings has the accessible name “Entries - Settings”.
This update will help distinguish certain links as going to the Settings page versus an index page when viewed out of context.
Document Titles
In 5.8.9, we updated document titles to provide additional context previously only available via contextual clues in the UI. (#17626)
For example, after an element index finishes loading, the document title is updated to include the source name and pagination information.
Globally, document titles now include the site name.
Support widget
In 5.8.14, we updated the Support widget to support screen reader users (#17718). When you start typing in the text area to report an issue, GitHub search results appear before the Submit button. These results are now announced via a live region.
In addition, we modified heading levels slightly to reflect the document structure more accurately.
Bugfixes
In 5.8.13, we fixed a bug where the Alternative Text for error icons did not use translations. (#17691)