Accessibility: Headings

Why is this important?
  • Enables screen reader users to jump between sections.
  • Creates a logical structure for all users.
  • Improves document navigation and accessibility.
When to use It

Use headings in any document with multiple sections, especially reports, guides and instructional materials.

How to use It

Apply heading styles from the styles menu in Word (e.g., Heading 1 for main titles, Heading 2 for subsections).

Example

Instead of bolding and enlarging text manually for section titles, use 鈥淗eading 1鈥 for 鈥淚ntroduction鈥 and 鈥淗eading 2鈥 for 鈥淪teps to Improve Accessibility.鈥

One H1

  • All headings have a level, 1 through 6.
  • Heading level 1 (h1) is used for the main title on a page or document. Most webpages or documents should only have one h1. An exception would be a longer document, where each chapter title can be an h1.

Heading Hierarchy

Heading levels 2 through 6 (h2-h6) are used for sections and subsections to create hierarchical structure in the page or document. Heading levels are nested sequentially and should not 鈥渟kip鈥 levels. For example, a page should not use h2 and h4 without using h3.

  • The Way to Jackrabbit Digital Accessibility <h1>
    • Steps to Digital Accessibility Compliance <h2>
      • Review and Remove <h3>
      • Revise <h3>
      • Reach <h3>
      • Responsibility <h3>
Word navigation screen showing how to access and use heading titles.
Tip for Checking Accessibility

Use the Navigation Pane in Word (View > Navigation Pane) to confirm headings are structured properly. Run the Accessibility Checker (Review > Check Accessibility) to identify missing or misused heading styles.