Page contents
- Use of headings (H2) and subheadings (H3)
- Do not make headings into links
- Abbreviations, acronyms and jargon
Use of headings (H2) and subheadings (H3)
The page title is automatically set by Squiz Matrix as H1.
If your page is long or contains a lot of distinct information, use headings and subheadings to divide it into sections.
- H2 = main headings
- H3 = subheadings of H2's
- H4 are not used that often as the same as bold and should only sit under a H3 subheading
- Use headings in order to divide you page: H2 before H3 (H3 can't be used without H2)
- Use the headings button format headings (H2) and subheadings (H3)
- Do not use bold on headings
- Only use capitals for the first letter
- Headings and subheadings must not be used as links
- Use clear and relevant headings to help users find information quickly on your page.
- Use anchor links at the top of the page to link to the sections for quick navigations. (Please see page layout for more information about anchor links)
Examples
The Web standards for PDFs and other file types page is a good example of how headings are used to divide a page into sections.
Reason for this web standard
- Headings and subheadings are used to structure a page, which is used by screen readers to navigate down the page.
- Headings and subheadings allow users to scan down a page quickly and find the section they want to read.
Do not make headings into links
- Links should not be added to H2 headings and H3 subheadings.
- If you have a list of external web links, for example a list of organisations' websites, and you were to make the name of the organisation both the heading and the link, it will not be clear to everyone reading the page that it is a link.
- Add the website link on a separate line and if you use the web address as the link text, users can make a note of it for future use.
Example
Age UK
Age UK provides information and vital direct services to people in later life throughout the UK.
Website:
Reason for this web standard
User testing shows people are more likely to notice a link in the body text than a link as a heading or subheading.
Browsers can display links and headings differently, so they can become difficult to read or identify when they have been formatted as both.
Abbreviations, acronyms and jargon
- Avoid using jargon, abbreviations and acronyms. If you do, explain them in full in the first instance with the abbreviation in brackets.
- Use 'and' not '&', 'for example' not 'e.g' and 'that is' and not i.e
Reason for the web standard
Avoiding jargon and acronyms helps ensure the message reaches a broader audience without confusion.