headings

Headings are titles that organize content into a hierarchical structure. They indicate the relationship between sections and help readers skim for topics of interest. In typography, headings differ from body text through size, weight, and spacing, and are often used with short, descriptive phrases.

In writing and publishing, headings establish a clear order of ideas. Consistent use of levels (for example, main sections followed by subsections) supports comprehension and navigation. In HTML and other markup languages, headings are defined as h1 through h6 elements that form the document outline. They should reflect logical structure rather than serve solely as a styling tool. Screen readers and other assistive technologies rely on heading order to help users jump between topics, so a proper, non-duplicative hierarchy is essential. Search engines also use headings to understand content topics and relevance.

Best practices include starting with a single top-level heading, keeping headings concise and descriptive, and avoiding skipped levels or repeated headings. Do not mix levels without a clear reason, and separate content semantically with headings rather than by visual tricks alone. For long documents, provide a table of contents generated from headings. In word processors and content management systems, use built-in heading styles to maintain accessibility and consistency. The term "heading" can also refer to the document’s main title, which often serves as the page header and is treated as the highest level in the outline.