Headings, paragraphs and lists

Headings

Use headings and subheadings to break content up. This makes your content:

• easier for people to read
• more accessible for people who are using assistive technology, like screen readers

Sentence case means using a capital for the first letter of a sentence, then lower case for the rest of the sentence. Proper nouns (nouns that name a specific person, place or thing) are always capitalised in a sentence case heading. Using sentence case in headings makes it easier to read and understand.

Put the most important information at the start of the heading. Avoid questions and use statements instead.

Good example:

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Bad example:

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Sentences and paragraphs

Generally, sentences that are longer than 25 words are more difficult to understand.

As a rough guide, aim for:

• 15 words per sentence
• 5 sentences per paragraph

Lists

Bullet lists (unordered lists)

Use bullet points to break up a list of items. It makes your content easier to read and understand.

Bullets must:

• have a lead-in line (a line of content before the bullet list) ending with a colon
• make sense following the lead-in line
• use lower case at the start of the bullet
• have only one sentence per bullet point though you can use commas, dashes (or brackets) to expand on points

Bullets must not:

• be paragraphs using the list format for visual effect
• include 'or' or an 'and' after the bullets

Example — swimming pool rules

When using this swimming pool:

• be respectful of other people
• shower before entering
• do not bring food or drink
• pay attention to the lifeguards

Numbered lists (ordered lists)

Use a numbered list for a logical sequence of things, like a series of tasks that must be done in a certain order.

Unlike bullet lists, they do not need a lead-in line and should be complete sentences that start with a capital letter and end with a full stop.

Example — starting a car

1. Place your key in the ignition.
2. Turn the key or press your push-button ignition, turn it all the way to start the engine.
3. Put the clutch to the floor, use your left foot to push the pedal all the way down.
4. Put your car into first gear, with the clutch down and move the gear stick into first, which is the top left slot.

To see the the design guidelines for headings, paragraphs and lists.

Go to the design guidelines on headings, paragraphs and lists.