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Empty Heading

Compliance Data & User Impact

User Impact: Major

Disabilities Affected:

blindness
deafblindness
learning disabilities

WCAG Version:
2

WCAG Levels:

WCAG Guidelines:

1.3.1

Solution Techniques:

H42.emptyHeading

Automated Test Accuracy:
High

Check1st Severity:
3

DRRSAG Designations:

role

How to Fix The Problem

Either use a different element, or make sure that the heading contains some text.

The Algorithm, In Simple Terms

The engine scans all h1- h6 headings and elements with role=heading, and checks whether they contain text.

Why Is it Important?

It is misleading to assistive technology users.

Code Example

<h1>Heading Level 1</h1>
<h2>Heading Level 2</h2>
...
<h5>Heading Level 5</h5>
<h6>Heading Level 6</h6>

Ignore this issue if this element is part of a list of similar elements or a container of a list such as: select, autocomplete field widget, the table inside a date picker widget, a tab in a tab control widget).

This element perfoms as a container, and has no functionality. This container may contain another elements that has functionality or logical role.

Ignore this issue if this element has an alternative that performs the same and overrides the content of this element.