Headings

Headings provide structure, helping people navigate and find information. Headings are typically a large text size and may be bold or formatted differently from regular text, making it easy for people to quickly scan information. Accessible headings are clear, descriptive and formatted properly to work for everyone.

Creating headings requires more than bold, large text. When formatted properly, people who use screen readers can jump between headings, much like a sighted person would visually scan information.

Headings should start with a level 1 heading (H1) and be nested in sequential order throughout, creating an outline. Avoid skipping heading levels, e.g., do not to jump from a level 2 heading (H2) to a level 4 heading (H4).

Depending on the platform, headings offer other benefits. For example, in Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign, headings can be used to generate a Table of Contents that can automatically update page numbers.