Headings
Headings are necessary for creating an accessible Microsoft Word Document. They provide a simplified structure for organizing and browsing content. If the document is very long, headings can save readers time understanding content without reading through the entire document. Headings also help people who use screen readers navigate each section more effectively:
- Heading 1 is the document title or a main content heading.
- Heading 2 is a sub-section of Heading 1.
- Heading 3 is a sub-section of Heading 2.
- Heading 4 is a sub-section of Heading 3.
- Heading 5 is a sub-section of Heading 4.
- Heading 6 is a sub-section of Heading 5.
How to Apply Headings in Microsoft Word
You may be tempted to create a heading by highlighting text and increasing the font size, however you should never use font size alone to create headings since screen readers do not detect font size. It's important to use Microsoft Word's built-in styling to structure headings:
- In the Home tab, click on the Styles panel or enter Alt + Ctrl + Shift + S on the keyboard. Select your heading style.
You can also apply headings using keyboard shortcuts to assign headings:
- Ctrl + Alt + 1 for Heading 1
- Ctrl + Alt + 2 for Heading 2
- Ctrl + Alt + 3 for Heading 3
- Ctrl + Alt + 4 for Heading 4
- Ctrl + Alt + 5 for Heading 5
- Ctrl + Alt + 6 for Heading 6
After applying headings, the Navigation panel should open up. You can also access the Navigation panel by entering Ctrl + F on the keyboard.
Source: Microsoft Word: Creating Accessible Documents by WebAIM.
How to Format Headings in Microsoft Word
- In the Home tab, click on the Styles panel or enter Alt + Ctrl + Shift + S on the keyboard.
- Click on the Manage Styles button to apply a heading.
- Click Modify to apply different formatting (such as font style, font size, font color, and spacing).
- After saving a formatting style, Microsoft Word will apply the style to that heading consistently throughout the document.
