# Hex Stepper

> A bare token-driven hexagon-trail stepper with clip-path hex nodes, a connecting accent trail, gradient-painted active and done nodes, done/active/upcoming states, and clickable steps that jump to any stage — themed by the AI Steppers design system in both light and dark.

- Category: Navigation
- Frameworks: Vanilla, React + CSS, React + Tailwind
- Design system: Aperture
- Dark mode: yes
- Access: premium (Atheros AI Pass)
- Tags: stepper, wizard
- Page: https://builder.atheros.ai/components/hex-stepper
- Preview: https://d17nmjscumqk5d.cloudfront.net/builder/templates/tpl_builder_hex_stepper/preview-7977132a4012.webp

## Features

- Bare centered stepper — no panel card or button chrome
- Hexagon trail of four clip-path hex nodes joined by a connecting accent trail
- Done/active/upcoming states drive each node's fill, trail color, and label emphasis
- Completed nodes cross-fade their number into a checkmark (both glyphs stay mounted)
- Active node is painted with the brand accent and a drop-shadow glow
- Done node fills with the gradient end color and lights its leading trail segment
- Clickable steps jump straight to any stage and re-render all states
- Visually-hidden live region announces "Step X of N" to assistive technology
- `aria-current="step"` tracks the active step for screen readers
- Arrow-key navigation moves forward and backward through the wizard
- Responsive layout that adapts down to 320px
- Fully respects `prefers-reduced-motion`

## Accessibility

- **Current step** — `aria-current="step"` set on the active hex node element
- **Live readout** — Visually-hidden `role="status"` with `aria-live="polite"` announces "Step X of N"
- **Step group semantics** — `role="group"` with `aria-label="Setup steps"` on the stepper container
- **Clickable steps** — Each hex node is a native `<button>` with an explicit `aria-label`
- **Keyboard navigation** — Arrow Left/Right move between steps
- **Button labels** — Every hex node button has an explicit `aria-label`
- **Focus indicators** — `:focus-visible` with `--ring` outline on the focused hex node inner
- **Reduced motion** — `prefers-reduced-motion: reduce` disables all animations

## Keyboard shortcuts

- `ArrowRight` — Advance to the next step
- `ArrowLeft` — Return to the previous step
- `Enter` — Activate the focused hex node
- `Space` — Activate the focused hex node
- `Tab` — Move focus between the hex nodes

## Common questions

**Which frameworks is Hex Stepper available in?**

Hex Stepper ships as Vanilla, React + CSS and React + Tailwind — HTML, CSS, JS and React source you can copy, download or clone into Atheros AI Builder.

**Is the Hex Stepper navigation component free?**

Hex Stepper is a premium component. Anyone can preview it; the source, downloads and AI customisation are included with Atheros AI Pass.

**Does Hex Stepper support dark mode?**

Yes. Hex Stepper ships light and dark themes, both drawn from the Aperture design system's tokens. Switch the preview to dark mode to compare them.

## Get the code

Preview Hex Stepper live, then sign in to copy or download the source, apply another design system, or ask the AI assistant to change it: https://builder.atheros.ai/components/hex-stepper

Every component on https://builder.atheros.ai is also reachable from Claude Code, Cursor and Codex through the Atheros MCP server (paid plans). Component index: https://builder.atheros.ai/llms-components.txt