How to make Word documents accessible

Bookmarks can give people a quick way to navigate to key sections in a document.

You do not need to add bookmarks in most documents. Headings are usually enough and should be your main navigation method.

When to Use Bookmarks

You can use bookmarks in longer or more complex documents to help with navigation.

Some accessibility checkers may suggest adding bookmarks in longer documents, but this is not a requirement.

Use bookmarks only when they add value beyond headings.

Using bookmarks with PDFs

When exporting a Word document to PDF, use headings to create PDF bookmarks where possible.

Headings:

• provide better navigation
• show the document structure more clearly
• are more consistent than manual bookmarks

Read how to create an accessible PDF from Word

Adding bookmarks in Word

Learn how to add or delete bookmarks in a Word document (Microsoft Support).

If you use bookmarks:

• start the bookmark name with a letter
• add them at key sections in the document
• keep them consistent with your headings
• use clear, descriptive names that match the content
• do not use spaces (use underscores instead)

Aim to make the bookmark name match the section it refers to.

For example:

Heading in document:
Adding bookmarks in Word

Bookmark:
adding_bookmarks_in_word