Web Standard: Headings
Definitions
Headings are the headlines used on a page. Headings are used in descending levels of size and emphasis, enabling clear and precise content organization. They create scannable and easy-to-use pages for all audiences.
Content Requirements
- The page title of all EPA pages is an <h1> element. Only the page title can be <h1>.
- Use <h2> to <h6> in the proper descending order.
- These headings should be used as you would an outline structure.
- Any skipping of levels breaks the flow of the page for readers. Choosing to use heading tags out of order for purely visual appeal renders your content less useful and less accessible.
- Headings should use sentence case (only the first word is capitalized) as per AP guidelines. Exception: If the heading includes the name of a document, use the document's title in quotes or italics.
- Highlighted headings, with a light-blue background color (<h2> through <h6>), are also available in the WebCMS.
- Apply consistently to one header size per page. For example, if one <h3> is highlighted, all <h3>s, and only <h3>s, should be highlighted.
- Do not add hyperlinks to headings.
- Do not use unique styles for headings.
- Some accessibility checkers will flag long page titles or headings. Longer titles and headings are generally less helpful, and extremely long titles may be frustrating to screen reader users. A general rule of thumb is between 30-60 characters.
About this Standard
All EPA public web content must adhere to all federal requirements including; the EPA Web Standards, the U.S. Web Design System guidelines, federal plain language guidelines, and the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act. Internal content, including Intranet and Microsoft 365, may differ from the public content. If not explicitly stated, content must adhere to all federal requirements.
Original effective date: 09/12/2012
Last approved on: 07/12/2023
Web Council review by: 07/12/2026 (or earlier if deemed necessary by the Web Council)