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PDF Error - Document does not define any headings

PDF Accessibility | The document lacks properly tagged headings (e.g., H1, H2, H3, etc.)

Last updated: September 2025

Issue: Document does not define any headings

Meaning:  The document lacks properly tagged headings (e.g., H1, H2, H3, etc.), which are essential for accessibility as they provide structure and enable screen readers and assistive technologies to assist users in navigating the content efficiently.

Fix:

  • Apply true heading styles (H1, H2, H3, etc.) in your authoring tool rather than relying on font size, bolding, or underlining to create the appearance of headings.

  • Ensure that a top-level heading (H1) is present to define the document’s main title, with subheadings nested in logical order.

  • Remember: the document header area (e.g., page numbers, logos, running headers) is not the same as content headings. Screen readers will only recognize properly tagged headings inside the document body.

💡 Note: Streamline staff are website accessibility experts, not PDF remediation specialists. We’re unable to provide direct support with remediation software or techniques. These articles and videos are here to be helpful, but if you need solutions, see our Document Remediation Options article — it covers DocAccess, DIY approaches, and professional paid remediation services.

If you use Word to create your PDFs watch this video:

If you use Adobe Acrobat to create your PDFs watch this video: