Case ce-0134-nested-list-tab-indent · Scenario scenario-nested-list-behavior

Tab key does not indent list items to create nested lists

OS: Windows 11 Device: Desktop or Laptop Any Browser: Chrome 120.0 Keyboard: US Status: draft
list nested tab indentation chrome

Phenomenon

When pressing Tab in a list item in Chrome, a tab character is inserted instead of indenting the list item to create a nested list structure. This makes it difficult to create nested lists.

Reproduction example

  1. Create a list: <ul><li>Item 1</li><li>Item 2</li></ul>
  2. Place cursor in “Item 2”
  3. Press Tab

Observed behavior

  • Tab character is inserted into the list item
  • List item is not indented
  • Nested list structure is not created
  • User cannot easily create nested lists

Expected behavior

  • Tab should indent list item (create nested list)
  • Shift+Tab should unindent
  • Nested list structure should be created
  • Behavior should match word processors

Browser Comparison

  • All browsers: Tab inserts character (default behavior)
  • Custom handling needed for list indentation

Notes and possible direction for workarounds

  • Intercept Tab key in list items
  • Prevent default behavior
  • Create nested list structure
  • Move list item to nested list
  • Handle Shift+Tab for unindenting
Before
  • Item 1
  • Item 2
List, cursor inside 'Item 2'
→
After Tab (Bug)
  • Item 1
  • Item 2\t
Tab key inserts tab character, nested list not created
vs
✅ Expected
  • Item 1
    • Item 2
Expected: Tab key creates nested list (indentation)

Browser compatibility matrix

This matrix shows which browser and OS combinations have documented cases for this scenario. The current case is highlighted. Click on a cell to view other cases.

Current case
Confirmed
Draft
— No case documented

All variants (detailed table)

Complete list of all cases for this scenario with full environment details.

Case OS Device Browser Keyboard Status
ce-0099-nested-list-enter-chrome Windows 11 Desktop or Laptop Any Chrome 120.0 US draft
ce-0134-nested-list-tab-indent Windows 11 Desktop or Laptop Any Chrome 120.0 US draft
ce-0143-nested-list-backspace Windows 11 Desktop or Laptop Any Firefox 120.0 US draft

Playground for this case

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Reported environment
OS: Windows 11
Device: Desktop or Laptop Any
Browser: Chrome 120.0
Keyboard: US
Your environment
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Event log
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0 events
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Comments & Discussion

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