Foundations of Accessible Document Design: Titles

This article is the first in a nine-part series covering the basic principles of digital document design.

We live in an increasingly digital world. The shift from paper to digital documents has had plenty of benefits. From saving trees to making it easier to send and receive information, digital documentation has become our go-to.

As Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) approaches, it's time to shine a light on something often overlooked: the accessibility of digital documents. With the focus commonly on creating accessible web and mobile experiences, documents routinely get left behind. To create truly inclusive experiences for all, digital documents must be equally accessible. In this nine-part series, we'll dive into the basics of creating digital documents that everyone can access and understand right from the start.

Select the graphic for a full-screen display of the Accessible Document Checklist.

Select to expand for full description of Accessibility Document Checklist graphic.

1. Assign a clear title

2. Use headings for easier navigation

3. Keep it simple with plain language

4. Use lists to organize your content

5. Choose readable typography

6. Be mindful of how and and why colour is used

7. Include alt text for all visuals

8. Use tables for data, not layouts

9. Include descriptive link text

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Rule No. 1: Assign a clear title to your document

This rule feels like a no-brainer. Every time you’re working on a document, you save it with a file name that relates to its content. And, most often, you include a title at the beginning of the document itself. Done and done, right? Not quite. 

Every document has its own Properties - details about the document itself, like who wrote it and when. For example, if you're writing a document in Microsoft Word, you'll find Properties under File, then Info. Unfortunately, not all document authoring tools fill in this info automatically. That's where you come in. One crucial detail to add? The document's title.

Why should I give my document a title?

Think of the title as a sneak peek into your document's content. For folks using assistive technologies like screen readers, it's often the first thing they'll hear. A clear title helps them grasp what the document is about before they even open it. And it's not just for them; assigning a document title benefits everyone by making documents easier to find and organize.

Best practices for assigning a title to your document

• Edit the Properties of your document to assign it a proper title. Remember: even though the file name and content title of your document may be similar (or even the same!), they do not take the place of a document title. Always take the time to add a title to the Properties of your document.

• Choose a clear title for your document. Make sure your document's title accurately describes what it's about. Keep it short and sweet.

Select the graphic for a full-screen display of incorrect and correct document titles.

By assigning a title to your document, you're not just adding a name; you're ensuring that everyone can navigate and engage with your document from the very start.

Stay tuned for the next installment in our Foundations of Accessible Document Design series where we tackle the importance of using headings.