What are headings?
Headings do more than make text stand out, they give your document or webpage a clear structure that helps everyone navigate and understand the content. Screen reader users can jump from one heading to another to get an overview of the page and move quickly between sections. Properly structured headings also improve the readability and searchability of your materials, which helps everyone.
Use Real Headings, Not Just Bold Text
Always apply heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3, etc.) using the style menu in Word, Google Docs, Canvas, or your website editor. Avoid manually changing font size or making text bold to look like a heading. While this works for sighted users, screen readers can’t recognize visual formatting alone.
Start with One Top-Level Heading
Use Heading 1 for the main title of your document or page. All major sections under the main title should be Heading 2, with Heading 3 or Heading 4 used for subsections underneath Heading 2 sections. This creates a logical, predictable outline that allows users to understand the structure of your content as well as which sections are associated with other sections.
Example Structure:
Keep the Order Logical
Headings should follow a consistent hierarchy without skipping levels. For example, don’t jump from a Heading 2 directly to a Heading 4. Skipping levels can confuse users who rely on assistive technology to understand the content structure.
Write Descriptive Headings
Each heading should clearly describe the section that follows. Avoid vague or decorative titles like “Check This Out!” Instead, use specific, meaningful labels such as “Assignment Instructions” or “Grading Policy.”
Good: Overview of the Topics Covered Within This Course
Avoid: Important Information
Heading Styles in Different Platforms
Heading styles can work differently depending on the platform. In most web-based platforms, such as Canvas or website editors, the page title is automatically treated as Heading 1, so Heading 2 should be used as the first heading on the page. In contrast, document editors like Microsoft Word do not treat the document title as Heading 1, so you should use Heading 1 as your first heading in the document. As a general rule, use the lowest numbered heading style available: if Heading 1 is listed as the first option in your heading styles menu, use that as your top level heading; if Heading 2 is the first option, use that instead.
Try it out! Applying Headings Styles in Documents and Canvas
