Javascript: Escape key = browser back button

javascript browser keyboard back
Ryan picture Ryan · Jun 17, 2011 · Viewed 13.1k times · Source

In a browser how can I make the keyboard's escape key go back in Javascript.

For example: if you visit this page and click the "Fullscreen" link I'd like to press the escape key and go back to the previous page.

What's the Javascript to make this magic happen?

Answer

Floern picture Floern · Jun 17, 2011

You can add a Key-Listener:

window.addEventListener("keyup", function(e){ if(e.keyCode == 27) history.back(); }, false);

This will call history.back() if the Escape key (keycode 27) is pressed.

Related questions

How to get the browser to navigate to URL in JavaScript

What is the best (correct, modern, cross-browser, safe) way to get a web browser to navigate to a URL of your choice using JavaScript?

Read More
How can I stop the browser back button using JavaScript?

I am doing an online quiz application in PHP. I want to restrict the user from going back in an exam. I have tried the following script, but it stops my timer. What should I do? The timer is stored …

Read More
How can I tell if a DOM element is visible in the current viewport?

Is there an efficient way to tell if a DOM element (in an HTML document) is currently visible (appears in the viewport)? (The question refers to Firefox.)

Read More