Understanding the Problem: Multiple Submit Buttons in HTML Forms

Creating a wizard-style HTML form often requires multiple submit buttons, such as “Previous” and “Next.” However, a common issue arises when pressing the Enter key: the browser automatically triggers the first submit button in the markup order. This can be frustrating, especially if you want the “Next” button to be activated instead of the “Previous” button. The challenge is figuring out how to control which button the form submits when the Enter key is pressed.

In this post, we will explore a simple CSS solution to this problem, keeping things accessible and avoiding JavaScript methods that can complicate the user experience.

The Presented Solution: Using CSS to Float Buttons

To solve the problem of controlling which submit button is active when the Enter key is pressed, we can utilize the CSS float property. By floating the buttons to the right, we can manipulate the visual arrangement without changing the logical order of the buttons in the HTML structure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. CSS Float Property: Use the float property to position the buttons. The “Next” button will appear first in the HTML markup but be displayed on the right.
2. Clearfix: A clearfix technique will prevent subsequent elements from being affected by floating.

Sample Code

Here’s how to implement the solution using HTML and CSS:

HTML Structure

<form action="action" method="get">
    <input type="text" name="abc">
    <div id="buttons">
        <input type="submit" class="f" name="next" value="Next">
        <input type="submit" class="f" name="prev" value="Prev">
        <div class="clr"></div> <!-- This div prevents later elements from floating with the buttons. Keeps them 'inside' div#buttons -->
    </div>
</form>

CSS Code

.f {
    float: right;
}
.clr {
    clear: both;
}

Benefits of This Approach

• No JavaScript Required: This solution does not rely on JavaScript, simplifying the code and improving page performance.
• Accessibility: Both submit buttons maintain their functionality and can be used with assistive technologies, ensuring a better experience for all users.
• Preservation of Button Types: Both buttons remain as type="submit" buttons, which is essential for form submission.

Conclusion

By using a simple CSS trick with the float property, you can effectively manage multiple submit buttons in an HTML form without complicating the underlying structure. This method is not only straightforward but also preserves accessibility and eliminates the need for JavaScript, making it an elegant solution to a common problem.

Whether you’re designing a user-friendly form for a website or developing a wizard-style interface, remember that the layout and logical flow of your buttons are key to improving user experience.