PDF Error - Heading Level Skipped.
PDF Accessibility | Fixing Skipped Heading Levels
Last updated: August 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 headings follow proper order (H1 → H2 → H3, etc.) and do not skip levels.
💡 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: