How to make web pages accessible

Headings give your web page structure, so users can find the content they need. For example, they introduce new sections or sub sections - a bit like chapters of a book.

The title on your web page should always use a 'Heading 1' style. There should only be one Heading 1 on the page.

You must style headings using the correct HTML. Using bold, underline or large font size to show a heading will not work for screen readers.

Headings must follow the right order (eg Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3). They must not skip down (eg Heading 2 then Heading 4), but they can skip back up (eg Heading 4 then Heading 2).

Headings should be clear and informative.

Why web pages need headings

Web pages need headings because:

• They allow users to understand the structure and hierarchy of your content
• They help screen readers to read out your content in the right order
• They help users quickly skip to the content they want to read

How to add headings to a web page

Add HTML heading tags around the text you want as a heading in the HTML editor.

For example:

<h1>example main heading</h1>

 <h2>example subheading</h2>

Remove empty heading tags eg <h2></h2>. They are confusing and time-wasting for screen readers.