Applies ToWord for Microsoft 365 Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac Word for the web Word 2021 Word 2021 for Mac Word 2019 Word 2019 for Mac Word 2016 Word for iPad Word for iPhone Word for Android tablets Word for Android phones Word for Windows Phone 10 Word Mobile

What to fix

Use built-in headings and styles.

Why fix it

To preserve tab order and to make it easier for screen readers to read your documents, use a logical heading order and the built-in formatting tools in Word.

For example, organize headings in the prescribed logical order. Use Heading 1, Heading 2, and then Heading 3, rather than Heading 3, Heading 1, and then Heading 2. And, organize the information in your documents into small chunks. Ideally, each heading would include only a few paragraphs.

How to fix it

Apply built-in heading styles

  1. Select the heading text.

  2. On the Home tab, in the Styles group, select a heading style, for example, Heading 1 or Heading 2.

Screenshot of the heading style options

Use bulleted lists

  1. Position the cursor anywhere in your document.

  2. Select the Home tab.

  3. In the Paragraph group, select the Bullets button.

  4. Type each bullet item in the bulleted list.

Screenshot of bullet style options

Use ordered lists

  1. Position the cursor anywhere in your document.

  2. Select the Home tab.

  3. In the Paragraph group, select the Numbering button.

  4. Type the sequential steps.

Screenshot of numbering style options

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.