2.4.6: Headings and Labels

What it means

Headings and labels must describe topic or purpose. Form labels should say what to enter; section headings should summarise what follows.

Vague labels cause errors and force people to guess.

How to fix it

• Use specific labels like “Work email” instead of “Email 1”.
• Write headings that would make sense in a table of contents.
• Match visible label text to programmatic names.
• Avoid placeholder-only labels that disappear when typing starts.

Quick examples

• Good: A section heading reads “Delivery address” above address fields.
• Bad: A form field is labelled only “Input”.
• Good: Radio group legend asks “Preferred contact method”.
• Bad: All file upload buttons say “Browse” with no indication of expected document.