Heading Structure

This help article outlines why heading structure is important, how content authors should use headings, and where headings might be relevant.

Table of Contents

• Why are Headings Important?

• How Do I Implement True Heading Structure?

• Where May I Encounter Headings?

• University Policy Connection

Why is Heading Structure So Important?

Headings enable readers to quickly and efficiently browse page content in an organized manner. Proper heading structure enhances discoverability and readability, making it easier for users to find topics of interest. This is especially vital for screen reader users, who primarily rely on headings for content navigation.

How Do I Create Accessible Heading Structure?

Headings should be formatting using your content authoring program’s integrated text style options:

• Modify heading structure in Word using the styles gallery.

• Export heading structure in InDesign with paragraph style options.

• Use built-in slide designs and unique slide titles in PowerPoint.

All content written under a heading should directly correspond to the heading. A section with a Heading 2 titled “dog breeds” should discuss topics related to dog breeds.

Your heading structure should resemble an outline of the content in your document. As such, while it’s okay to skip heading levels when increasing in rank (from Heading 4 to Heading 2), a document should not skip heading levels when decreasing in rank (from Heading 2 to Heading 4) as this can confuse screen readers. Furthermore, only one Heading 1 should be present in each document.

The following is an outline of what a true heading structure could look like for a document about different types of food:

• Heading 1 (H1): Foods

  • Heading 2 (H2): Fruits

    • Heading 3 (H3): Oranges

    • H3: Apples

    • H3: Mangos

  • H2: Vegetables

    • H3: Eggplants

    • H3: Onions

    • H3: Carrots

      • H4: Orange Carrots

      • H4: Purple Carrots

  • H2: Dairy

    • H3: Milk

    • H3: Cheese

    • H3: Eggs

Where May I Encounter Headings?

Please reference the following resources to learn how to apply headings within your content:

HTML Content

• For faculty and staff: Content and Media at pdx.edu

Non-HTML Content

• Adobe Acrobat

  • Validating PDF Accessibility in Adobe Acrobat Pro

  • Repairing Inaccessible PDFs in Adobe Acrobat Pro

• Foxit PhantomPDF

  • Validating PDF Accessibility in Foxit PhantomPDF

  • Repairing Inaccessible PDFs in Foxit PhantomPDF

• Microsoft Office

  • Microsoft Support for Adding a New Heading

Google Workspace

Please note that content authored in Google Apps can pose significant accessibility barriers to users with disabilities. Google Docs, that do not include tables, can be accessible when published as HTML. Google Docs that include tables, and any Slides and Sheets, must be exported and remediated in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Pro or Foxit PhantomPDF.

• Google Help for Applying Headings

University Policy Connection

Using heading structure to organize content is a critical step in complying with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2 per Portland State University’s Digital Accessibility Policy. Please reference the following World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) articles for more information:

• Understanding Success Criterion 1.3.1: Info and Relationships

• Understanding Success Criterion 2.4.6: Headings and Labels

References :

1. "Quick Reference: Web Accessibility Principles." WebAIM (Web Accessibility in Mind), © WebAIM 1999-2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021, fromhttps://webaim.org/resources/quickref/.

2. (WAI), W. C. W. A. I. (n.d.). Making Audio and Video Media Accessible. Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://www.w3.org/WAI/media/av/