Structuring Pages in Canvas with Headings and Lists

Properly structuring a Canvas page with headings, lists, and consistent formatting makes it easier to read, navigate, and understand for all users, including those using screen readers. Screen readers rely on heading styles and lists to help users jump between sections, understand the order of content, and interpret documents correctly. Clear structure is essential for accessibility, professional appearance, and overall readability.

This guide will explore how to add headings, format lists, and other formatting considerations in Canvas. 

1. Using Headings to Organize Your Page

Headings create sections and subsections, allowing readers—and screen readers—to quickly find and understand information. 

Steps to Apply Headings

1. Select the text you want to make a heading.
2. Go to the Headings menu in the rich content editor (drop-down next to "Paragraph").
3. From the Headings menu, choose:
   1. Heading 2 for main sections
   2. Heading 3 for subsections within Heading 2
   3. Heading 4 for smaller subsections within Heading 3
      1. NOTE: Canvas reserves Heading 1 for the title of the Page and thus it does not appear in the menu options.
4. Repeat for all section titles.

2. Using Bulleted vs. Numbered Lists

Lists help all users, including those using screen readers, understand content clearly.

Bulleted Lists

Use when the order of items doesn't matter.

Example:

Vocabulary

• metaphor
• simile
• personification

Numbered Lists

Use when order does matter, such as steps or instructions.

Example:

1. Read the poem provided in class.
2. Identify all examples of literary devices.
3. Explain in 1-2 sentences how each device contributes to the poem's meaning.

Steps to Create a List

1. Highlight the text you want in a list.
2. Choose the bullets and numbering menu from the Rich Content Editor menu bar. Note, depending on the size of your screen, you may need to expand more options on the far right of the menu bar. 
3. Select the bullet or numbering option of your choice.
   1. 
4. Press Enter after each item to add a new bullet or number.
5. Use Tab to create sub-levels (indented bullets or numbers).

Tip: Properly formatted lists allow screen readers to announce the number of items or indicate bullets, helping users follow the content accurately.

3. Using Consistent Font and Formatting

Consistency makes documents easier to read for everyone, including those using assistive technology.

Tips for Consistent Formatting:

1. Choose one font for headings (e.g., Arial Bold) and one for body text (e.g., Calibri).
2. Apply heading styles to maintain uniform size, color, and spacing.
3. Avoid using multiple fonts or colors for body text unless emphasizing key points.

Summary

• Use Headings 1, 2, and 3 consistently to structure sections and subsections.
• Use bulleted lists for unordered items and numbered lists for ordered steps.
• Maintain consistent fonts throughout your document.
• Structured headings and lists improve navigation and readability for all users, including those using screen readers.