Clear Hierarchies and Structure

Reading with Tabs | Quick Check

Why headings matter in files

Just like Canvas pages, documents (Word, Google Docs, slides exported to PDF) are easier to scan, navigate, and understand when you use real headings. Headings create logical “chunks,” support screen readers and keyboard navigation, and keep content consistent across devices and themes (including dark mode).

Three rules for accessible headings

Be logical and descriptive.
- Use a single Heading 1 for the document title.
- Use Heading 2 for main sections.
- Use Heading 3 (and lower) for subsections.
Use built-in Styles. Don’t fake headings with bold, size, or color.
Keep the hierarchy. Don’t skip levels (e.g., avoid jumping from H2 to H4).

Review the tabs below for your preferred software:

Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 desktop, Windows)

Apply headings

Select the text for your heading (or place the cursor in the line).
On the Home tab, choose a level in the Styles gallery (Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3).
Keyboard: Ctrl + Alt + 1 (H1), Ctrl + Alt + 2 (H2), Ctrl + Alt + 3 (H3).

Verify structure

View → Navigation Pane to see the outline by headings.
Run Review → Check Accessibility to catch issues.

Microsoft Word for Mac (Microsoft 365)

Apply headings

Select the text for your heading (or place the cursor in the line).
On the Home tab, open the Styles gallery and choose Heading 1/2/3.
Keyboard: Command + Option + 1 (H1), Command + Option + 2 (H2), Command + Option + 3 (H3).

Verify structure

View → Navigation Pane to confirm the outline.
Run Tools → Check Accessibility to scan for issues.

Google Docs (Workspace)

Apply headings

Select the text for your heading.
Use the Styles drop-down (often shows “Normal text”) and choose Heading 1, Heading 2, or Heading 3.
Or go to Format → Paragraph styles and choose a heading level.

Verify structure

View → Show outline to see the heading outline.
Use Tools → Accessibility settings; optionally install a Docs accessibility checker add-on if your org provides one.

Quick Check

Which practice ensures a document’s headings are accessible and navigable?

Make headings by increasing font size and bolding the text.: That changes appearance only; it doesn’t create real structure.
Apply built-in Styles (Heading 1–3) and verify the outline in Navigation/Outline view.: Correct: Styles create semantic structure that screen readers and search can use.
Skip from Heading 1 to Heading 4 to shrink spacing between sections.: Don’t skip levels—keep the hierarchy logical (H1 → H2 → H3).

Connection

Headings are how people understand the shape of a document. When headings are applied correctly, readers can skim, navigate, and return to information without rereading everything.

Hear What Heading Structure Adds

Visual formatting can make headings obvious on screen while leaving assistive technology with no navigable outline.

Visual formatting alone

Transcript

“Welcome to the course. Weekly schedule. Assignments. Grading and feedback.”

The section names are read as ordinary text.

Real heading structure

Transcript

“Heading level 2, Weekly schedule. Heading level 2, Assignments. Heading level 2, Grading and feedback.”

The heading level makes the sections discoverable and navigable.

Exact announcements vary by screen reader, browser or app, and user settings. These clips model the structural difference.