Error · heading-order
Headings out of order
Lighthouse / axe call it: Heading levels should only increase by one · Heading elements are not in a sequentially-descending order
Titles skip levels (like a document going from chapter 1 to section 1.1.1). The page's outline stops making sense to screen readers.
Who it leaves out: blind people (screen readers) · people with cognitive disabilities🔎 also SEO
How to fix it
Keep heading levels in order. Developer task, cosmetic risk only.
In the code
Do not skip heading levels (h2 → h4); nest them like a document outline.
Where to fix it without code
If your site runs on one of these platforms, the fix is in the admin panel:
WordPress:
Edit the page → click each heading → change its level (H2, H3) so they don't skip.Shopify:
Online Store → Themes → Customize → each section has a "Heading size/level" option in most themes.Wix:
Editor → click each heading → Text settings → set Heading 2, 3 in order.Squarespace:
Edit the text block → highlight the heading → choose Heading 2 / 3 in order.Webflow:
Designer → select the heading → Settings → Heading tag (H2, H3…).Odoo:
Website → Edit → click the heading → change it to Heading 2 / 3 in order.
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Related errors
Automated testing covers roughly half of WCAG criteria; a full conformance claim also requires manual review. Technical information, not legal advice.