Headings in Microsoft Word documents help with general navigation and are a key component in creating accessible documents. Those who use screen readers commonly search and navigate a document based on its heading structure.
Video Guide
To create true headings, it’s not enough to just enlarge words and change their color; instead, you must utilize the Microsoft Word built-in styles.
Quick rules for using headings in Microsoft Word:
- Use at least one H1 – used as the title (The title style is not recognized by a screen reader!)
- All H2’s should be subtopics to the main H1
- Headings should not skip order. There should not be an H4 without an H3 first
- Think of headings like using and building an outline.
Dont love the way the default headings look? You can change em’
Headings Navigation
When beginning to apply headings to a document, I first open the navigation pane, followed by selecting the headings tab. In Windows, this can be opened by pressing CNTRL + F on the keyboard.
The image above is a great example of how to use headings to build an outline for all of your content.
How to apply headings in Microsoft Word
- Select some text; and
- Choose a style from the quick styles menu from the home tab
Go through the rest of the document and apply the styles throughout!
Download the Free Section 508 Checklist for Microsoft Word:
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