Videos on Headings
See this 37-minute tutorial to learn all about how headings work.
See this 15-minute tutorial to learn how to convert an outline structure to headings.
What Are Headings?
Headings are the most essential aspect of creating accessible content, and are applied to sections of content to organize information in a logical order of importance.
Headings add structure to content by grouping related information into levels. They create a predictable pattern that allows all users to easily navigate content.
How Do Headings Work?
Headings group related information into levels.
Heading 1 Title
Heading 2 Major Topic
Heading 3 Minor Topic
Heading 4 Subtopic
Heading 5
Heading 6
Paragraph (body text)
Headings are based on the principle of information hierarchy.
We use information hierarchy every day to organize items and ideas, even when doing the laundry:
Heading 1 Laundry
Heading 2 Light Items
Heading 3 Light Towels
Heading 4 Bath towels
Heading 4 Washcloths
Heading 3 Light Clothing
Heading 4 Shirts
Heading 4 Pants
Heading 4 Undergarments
Heading 2 Dark Items
Heading 3 Dark Towels
Heading 4 Bath towels
Heading 4 Washcloths
Heading 3 Dark Clothing
Heading 4 Shirts
Heading 4 Pants
Heading 4 Undergarments
Headings exactly work like an outline structure.
An outline structure easily transforms to headings. Roman numeral I corresponds to Heading 1. The uppercase A, B, C level corresponds to Heading 2. The 1, 2, 3 level corresponds to Heading 3. The lowercase a, b, c level corresponds to Heading 4. Anything that is not a heading (an overall topic) and is text supporting that topic is P, paragraph or body text.
Watch this video to learn how to convert an outline structure to headings.
How Do Headings Organize a Document?
The usefulness of a document can be quickly improved using headings. Instead of an intimidating “wall of text” or “word salad”, content is organized into a navigable presentation that can be easily skimmed.
Headings structure content.
UNSTRUCTURED CONTENT:
External Email Notifications
Launched on March 15, 2021
Appeared during Spring Break 2021
Minimal notification (MavWire, Trailblazer)
Shut down on March 18, 2021
Banners shut off due to user feedback
CIO, CISO and head of Audit agreed to refactor
Considered intrusive in email threads
Eliminate usefulness of preview pane
STRUCTURED CONTENT:
External Email Notifications
Launch
- Launched on March 15, 2021
- Appeared during Spring Break 2021
- Minimal notification (MavWire, Trailblazer)
Feedback
- Considered intrusive in email threads
- Eliminate usefulness of preview pane
Removal
- Shut down on March 18, 2021 due to user feedback
- CIO, CISO and head of Audit agreed to refactor
Headings make content useful.
Simply put, headings organize “word salad” into “word bento” and make content useful.
Image credit: Reddit
Image credit: Whole Foods
What Are Best Practices for Headings?
Minimum Requirements
At a minimum, all documents need an H1 and P.
Single-topic documents – for example, a flyer designed to market an event – will likely only have an H1 and all other text marked as paragraphs.
Documents with multiple related topics should have a logical heading structure with H1, H2s, and other heading levels as appropriate.
Anything that is not a heading is simply P, Paragraph or Body text.
Headings are NOT:
- Used to increase the size of the text
- Used to change how the text looks
- Optional (All content needs an H1 and P tags.)
Headings MUST:
- Be used in order.
Do not skip between levels, i.e. set H2 and then go to H4.
INCORRECT:
Types of Analog Media Heading 2
Magnetic Tape Heading 4
CORRECT:
Types of Analog Media Heading 2
Magnetic Tape Heading 3
8-Track Heading 4
Cassette Tape Heading 4
- Be used in groups of two or more, just like with bullets points.
Each higher-level heading should have a pair of lower-level headings. If the section doesn’t warrant a second heading, rewrite it.
INCORRECT:
Hotdog Heading 1
Bratwurst Heading 2
CORRECT:
Types of Hotdogs Heading 1
Chili Cheese Dog Heading 2
Bratwurst Heading 2
Nathan’s Famous Heading 2
A repeated pattern allows readers to easily anticipate sections.
INCORRECT:
Importance of Accessible Communication Heading 2
What are the Benefits of Accessible Communication? Heading 2
Prioritize Users’ Needs with Accessible Communication Heading 2
CORRECT:
Understand the Importance of Accessible Communication Heading 2
Discover the Benefits of Accessible Communication Heading 2
Prioritize Users’ Needs with Accessible Communication Heading 2
- Function as independent labels.
Sentences should make sense on their own and not rely on the heading.
INCORRECT:
Heading 3: Understanding the Tuition Reimbursement Policy
Paragraph: This allows employees to receive reimbursement for classes.
CORRECT:
Heading 3: Understanding the Tuition Reimbursement Policy
Paragraph: The Tuition Reimbursement Policy allows employees to receive reimbursement for classes.
What Are the Benefits of Headings?
Screen Reader Users
- Headings create pattern access technologies follow to read documents to users.
- Headings allow users to jump between sections and hear the information they want. (This creates an experience equivalent to a visible table of contents or bookmarks panel.)
- Users must listen to the screen reader voice the entire document if headings are not used.
All Users
All users benefit from content broken into navigable sections.
When used properly, Headings will generate:
- An interactive table of contents in Word or InDesign
- A clickable document map in Word
- A clickable bookmarks panel in Adobe PDF
Content Authors
Headings benefit content authors by ensuring that the content:
- Can be accessed, used, and understood by all users
- Looks professional, clean, and useful
- Is well-organized with obvious sections that are easy to skim
- Guides users to what they need to know or do
- Save time and effort by reducing the need for follow-up communication