Overview
Headings create a logical structure that helps all readers understand how content is organized and allows screen readers to move through a document efficiently. The following tutorial will provide insight on how to understand and remediate the following Canvas Ally errors:
- The document does not have any headers
- The headings in this document do not begin at level 1
- The headings in this document do not follow a logical structure
- The document’s heading structure goes beyond six levels
By following these steps, you will learn how to apply proper heading styles in Microsoft Word, check your structure, and ensure your document meets accessibility standards.
Understanding Headings
Before applying headings, take a moment to understand what they are and how they improve accessibility. Headings are not just for visual style—they are coded markers that create structure and navigation for all users.
Step 1: Open the Navigation Pane
- Go to the View tab on the ribbon.
- Under Show, select Navigation Pane.
- In the side panel, choose Headings view (the icon that looks like a bulleted list).
Tip: If no headings appear, your document currently has text that looks like headings but is not coded as headings.
Step 2: Apply Heading Styles
- Highlight the title of your document.
- Go to the Home tab and select Heading 1 in the Styles section for your document title.
- Apply Heading 2, Heading 3, and so on for subtopics in order.
- Always move in sequence. For example, Heading 1 → Heading 2 → Heading 3.
Step 3: Review and Adjust the Heading Structure
- Keep the Navigation Pane open to confirm that all headings appear and are nested correctly.
- Look for:
- Blank headings: Place your cursor before the empty line and press Backspace to delete.
- Out-of-order headings: Change the style so each heading follows the correct sequence.
- Headings beyond six levels: Simplify the structure. Combine or merge overly nested sections, or rephrase them as bulleted lists or bold paragraph text. Screen readers may not recognize headings beyond level six, which can cause navigation issues and trigger Ally’s “beyond six levels” error.
Tip: Indentation in the Navigation Pane shows the nesting order of your headings.
Step 4: Check Headings with the Accessibility Checker
- Go to the Review tab.
- Select Check Accessibility or Accessibility Assistant (on some versions).
- Review any heading warnings and correct them directly in your document.
Step 5: Verify Heading Level 1 and Save
- Confirm that your document begins with a Heading 1 and that all subsequent sections follow in order.
- When exporting to PDF, use our Saving Word and PowerPoint (PPT) Files to PDF Guide to retain the heading structure in the PDF export.
Resources
Support
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