USWDS Step indicator
Documents step indicators for multi-page forms or processes with three or more high-level steps, linear progression, separate back/next navigation, explicit headings, current/completed/pending treatment, and aria-current on the current labeled step.
What this source can teach
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Pattern Decisions This Source Supports
| Pattern | Supported decision | Required contract | Claim note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-step form | Choose a multi-step form when the transaction has several ordered pages or sections that need saved progress. | Continue validates and saves the current step before unlocking the next required step. | USWDS step-indicator guidance supports progress display for linear multi-page forms with three or more high-level steps. |
| Step navigation / step indicator | Choose step navigation when a form, checkout, onboarding, or application has three or more high-level linear steps. | The current indicator segment always matches the visible page, route, and task heading. | USWDS defines step indicators for multi-page linear forms or processes with three or more high-level steps and requires separate navigation plus current-step semantics. |
| Step progress | Choose step progress when users need status for named workflow stages, not only a route position. | The indicator reads from the same workflow state that controls route availability, validation, saved answers, and submission gates. | USWDS supports multi-step progress indicators with completed, current, and not-completed states, separate navigation, explicit headings, short labels, and linear-process boundaries. |
Comparisons supported by this source
- Multi-step form vs single-page form vs single-question page vs step navigation
USWDS step indicator guidance supports progress display for linear multi-page forms with three or more high-level steps.
- Process list vs step navigation vs in-page anchor navigation
USWDS Step indicator guidance supports the distinction between transaction progress and instructional process steps.
- Step navigation vs back link vs pagination
USWDS limits step indicators to multi-page linear forms or processes with three or more high-level steps and says they complement separate back/next navigation.
- Step progress vs step navigation vs progress bar vs meter
USWDS supports step indicators for multi-page linear processes, current/completed/pending states, separate navigation, headings, and three-or-more step thresholds.
Evidence Role
This source is treated as pattern-library evidence. Its value comes from the specific claims and setting described above.
Publisher: U.S. Web Design System. Last checked: .