Headings. They introduce topics. You take them for granted. That is, until you find yourself lost in a sea of text once the heading has scrolled away.

On the Internet, headings are more than a visual outline; they give the reader a frame of reference. Ideally, every screen height should have a heading. Readers should never have to scroll beyond the limits of a single screen without a visual cue to what they are reading.

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Main Headings Define Your Message

You probably won't have a main heading on every screen. Using main headings online isn't much different than using them in print. Keep them short enough to fit on one line. This rule applies both in print and on the Internet.

"On the Internet, headings are more than a visual outline; they give the reader a frame of reference."

Subheadings Carry Your Message

You can, and probably should, have a subheading on each screen. Subheadings carry and expand your message. They also help break up large blocks of text, making them easier to read.

Online subheadings should be more specific than print subheadings and, if possible, include part of the main heading text. Since scrolling takes away your reader's reference (the main heading), you should reinforce it with your subheadings. Sample

Use Headings to Create Menus

Chances are, your Internet documents will include something your print documents don't—menus. The number and level of menus will depend on your subject's complexity and whether topics can or should be read individually.

TIP: The heading or subheading on the page accessed from a menu should be the same as the menu item or be the same and provide more detail. If the heading differs from the menu item, the reader may wonder whether he or she got there after accessing the item.

Now, Have Some Fun!

If you simply use headings to provide reference points, you're missing an important benefit. Headings let you be creative! Placing headings at the left margin and indenting text creates white space while adding balance to a page. It also makes it easier for readers to scan your outline.

If you don't have graphics in your document, use headings to add interest. Fonts give your document a polished look, and colors help keep your reader's attention. Sample

Looking For Heading Ideas? Try Print!

The best formatting layouts are still found in print. Find something that catches your eye and use it as a guide.

Quick Reference Guide

Headings can give your work strength and pizzazz! Don't overlook them in your document design.