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PDF Error - Heading Level Skipped

 PDF Accessibility | Fixing Skipped Heading Levels

Last updated: September 2025

Issue: Heading Level skipped. Previous heading level is 0, current Heading Level is 2 (or higher).

Meaning: You’ve started a new section with a heading level of 2 or higher, without first establishing a top-level heading (usually H1). Skipping heading levels creates problems for screen readers and may cause ADA compliance issues.

Fix: 

  • Ensure that headings follow a logical, sequential order (H1 → H2 → H3, etc.) without skipping levels.
  • Remember: the document header (like a title in the header space of the page or a company logo in the header section) is not the same as a content heading (H1, H2, H3, etc.). Screen readers rely on content headings to navigate the structure, not the visual header area.
  • Always start with a single H1 to establish the top-level structure, then nest subheadings beneath it in order.

💡 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: