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Headings

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Headings make your content easier to scan and help people quickly find the information they need. They also help people using screen readers understand and navigate the structure of a page.

Why use headings?

Think of headings as an outline for your webpage. They divide your content into meaningful sections and make it easier for everyone to find what they need.

A good test is: If someone only read the headings on your page, would they understand what the page is about?

Best Practices for Accessible Headings

Use descriptive headings

Make your headings clear and specific so readers know what information they will find in each section.

Do:

  • Application Requirements
  • How to Apply
  • Important Dates

Don't:

  • Information
  • Details
  • More

Use headings to organize your content

Think of heading levels like an outline. A Heading 2 (H2) introduces a main section, and Heading 3 (H3) introduces sections within it.

H2: Student Resources
→ H3: Academic Support
→ H3: Career Services
→ H3: Health and Wellness

Tip: Don't choose a heading level just because it looks the right size. Choose it based on where the content fits in the page's structure.

Don't use formatting as a heading

Don't use bold text, larger font, or color just to make text look like a heading. Use the heading option provided by your CMS.

Don't:
Application Requirements (bold text)

Do:
Application Requirements (actual heading)

Don't use headings for decoration

Use a heading only when it introduces a section of content. If you simply want to emphasize a sentence or phrase, use other formatting options instead.

Follow your area's heading guidelines

Your area may have specific requirements for heading levels. For example, the Division of Student Affairs uses Heading 3 (H3) for main content headings in Cascade.

Quick Tips

  • Use headings to organize content, not just to make text stand out.
  • Make headings descriptive and meaningful.
  • Keep heading levels logical and consistent.
  • Use your CMS's heading options instead of formatting text manually.
  • Follow your area's guidelines for heading levels.