How to add an h1 heading template to your webpage
Advisory
The information on this page is only applicable if you're editing the University webpages using T4. It presumes that you have already completed the beginners and advanced level of the T4 training (a link for staff only - opens in new window).
Procedure
If your webpage uses approved responsive templates, use the 'Page structure v1' template.
If your webpage uses recruitment templates, use the 'Page structure v2' template.
You must use one or the other, not both, and whichever template you use, you must only add it to your page once.
If you need to add more text further down on your page, you can use the 'Page Text' template for this. There's no limit on the number of times that the Page Text template can be used on a page, and it will work with either approved responsive or recruitment templates.
If you're not sure which type of templates your webpage uses, see the website design page for some examples.
Should your h1 heading be visible or not?
Option 1: A visible heading
If you want your heading to be visible, enter your h1 heading text into the 'header' field of the template. You don't need to write any code, just enter your heading exactly as you'd like it to appear on the page.
Option 2: A hidden heading
If you don't want your webpage to display an h1 heading, you must still include the page structure v1 or v2 template (as applicable) to your page. Simply leave the header field blank, then save and approve it in the usual way.
Please note that if you choose to do this, T4 will automatically use the name you have given to your T4 folder as the h1 heading in the underlying code.
The reason for maintaining an h1 heading in the code, even if it's not visible on the page, is that the heading can then be communicated to web users with little or no sight. Assistive technologies can announce the text audibly, or present it via a braille display. Web users interacting with these technologies rely on clear headings for page navigation and comprehension, in the absence of visual cues.
Best practice guidance
It's best practice for the h1 heading to be visible, but this is not a strict requirement – there are sometimes legitimate design reasons not to do this.
In general though, the vast majority of webpages created by our T4 editors will have a visible h1 heading.
Further reading
To fully understand navigation links, please read the h1 heading introduction, followed by the following, in order:
- How to add an h1 template to your page (currently reading)
- Preventing accidental h1 headings
