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Best Practices for Plain Language

• Use everyday words. Choose familiar terms over complex or specialized vocabulary.
• Be concise. Short sentences and paragraphs improve comprehension and reduce cognitive load.
• Use active voice. Active instructions are clearer and more direct (e.g., “Submit the form.” vs. “The form should be submitted.”).
• Organize content logically. Group related ideas together and use headings to guide readers.
• Define acronyms and abbreviations. Spell out terms on first use and provide context.
• Avoid jargon. If technical terms are necessary, explain them in plain language.
• Use lists and formatting. Bulleted or numbered lists help break up information and make scanning easier.

Readability and legibility are essential for a successful user experience, and proper reading order is critical for users relying on assistive technologies like screen readers.

Best Practices for Readability

• Use visual and semantic spacing. Space helps users visually group related content and separate unrelated elements. For nonvisual users, semantic HTML (like headings, paragraphs and lists) provides structure and clarity.
• Maintain appropriate line spacing.
• Stick to clean, consistent typography.
• Avoid all caps. All-uppercase text reduces readability because it removes the unique shapes of words, making scanning and recognition harder.
• Reserve underlining for links. Underlined nonlink text can confuse users, especially those with cognitive disabilities or screen reader users.
• Use left-aligned text. A consistent left margin supports easier reading and better flow.
• Ensure logical reading order. Proper heading structure (e.g., H1, H2, H3) to guide screen readers through content in a meaningful sequence.