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Styling text

Overview

Do not use HTML elements such as blockquotes and headings purely as a means of styling text. HTML elements also carry meaning in the code that can’t be seen but may be communicated by assistive technologies like screen reading software.

There may be a different HTML element that is appropriate for your needs.

If you’re simply trying to make text stand out, just use small amounts of bold text to highlight the important information.

Bold, italics and underlining

Do not use italics or underlining. Only apply bold to two or three words at a time.

Consider using the appropriate heading type for large sections of text that need to be highlighted.

Use the bold and italic buttons/tools in Jadu and WordPress, not <b> and <i> HTML.

What and why: Large areas of bold, italic or underlined text can be difficult to read for people with dyslexia. Most screen readers will not announce text inside the <b> and <i> HTML tags any differently, so emphasis is lost for those who cannot see the text. Underlined text can be mistaken for a link.

Blockquotes

Blockquote functions in Jadu, WordPress, and Word should only be used for quoted text. Our guidance on blockquotes explains how to use them accessibly.

Mathematical content  

Digital Practice Leeds has guidance on making mathematical content accessible.