Do not use a heading to introduce a table, figure, or list.As a general guideline, aim for roughly 2-4 headings and sub-headings per page. Overuse of headings indicates an inefficient organization of ideas that needs revision. A heading defines a SECTION of the document. Ideally, a heading should have at least one, often several, paragraphs of text below it. Keep in mind that every sentence does not require its own heading, nor does every paragraph. Stacked headings can indicate inefficient organization of information. A heading is like a chapter title it must have at least a sentence of information below it. Avoid stacking one heading directly below another.
#WORD DOCUMENT HEADINGS AND SUBHEADINGS HOW TO#
Use the Styles function in MS Word to create your headings (see this helpful video on “ How to Create and Customize Headings” using Styles.A heading must have a block of text below it.Make sure there is slightly more white space above a heading than below it.Use descriptive (rather than functional) headings.Use a sans serif font for your headings.According the Engineering Work Term Report Guideline (pdf), headings may be numbered using Arabic numerals only- not Roman Numerals or letters. Headings may use a numeric system, if there are many sub-sections. Avoid vague headings, and avoid using too many headings. Specificity: use descriptive headings that inform the reader of the content of each section.As a general guideline, use 2-4 headings per page in short reports. There should always be slightly more space above the heading than below it. Readability: leave passive space above and below headings.Use consistent, parallel phrasing as well. Make sure your headings at each level are consistent in design (font, size, color, indentation, etc.) Use the STYLES function in Word to help design and maintain effective and consistent headings throughout your document. Consistency: if you use headings, every section must have a heading.
In general, first level headings are larger and bolder than second and subsequent level headings.
Increase readability of the document by providing breaks and white space.Įffective headings use concrete, descriptive language to tell the reader what to expect from the content of each section.Allow the reader to scan and read selectively.Show hierarchical relationship of ideas (headings, sub-headings).Provide organizational overview of the document.Headings are standard features of technical documents that serve several important functions: