BETA release

H_F04 Incorrect use of headings instead of table header cells

PDF-F26, FAIL

Use case(s): Headings

Last updated on April 21, 2025

Description

This example demonstrates a failure condition in which a heading tag (Hn) is used instead of a table header (TH).

Headings (e.g., H1, H2) do not establish a relationship between table cells, however headings may be used in a table cell if the author’s intent is to organize the document as a whole.

Download(s)

These minimal examples are designed to express a single Technique. Effective use requires software that supports Tagged PDF.

UA1_Tpdf-H_F04.pdf

Test(s)

Expected Results

Check #⁠3 is false.

Procedures

Check that all fundamental techniques are followed.
Check that all real content that the author intends as a heading is tagged as a heading.
Check that heading tags are not used when the author does not intend a heading.
Check that either:
- only Hn tags are used, or
- only appropriately-nested H tags are used.
Check that the first Hn tag, if any, is an H1.
Check that the heading levels are appropriate to the content hierarchy of the document.

Application to WCAG 2.x

This Technique addresses the following WCAG 2.x Success Critieria:

1.3.1 Info and Relationships

2.4.6 Headings and Labels

Matterhorn Protocol

The Matterhorn Protocol 1.1 provides an algorithm for conformance with PDF/UA-1. Matterhorn checkpoint(s) (human or machine) relevant to this use-case:

01-006
14-001
15-001
15-002
15-005

Accessibility Technique Support Finder

Accessibility Technique Support Finders allows you to quickly locate software and services that claim to support a given Technique. Simply search the internet with a given technique’s finder together with the name of your product.

The technique finder for this Technique is: UA1_Tpdf-H_F04

NOTE: the “technique support finder” concept was introduced in January 2025; please allow time for adoption.