Documentation Center

Best practices for authors and editors for creating accessible lists

Lists help add structure to your content, and organize content visually.

Instructions for authors

Always introduce a list with an introductory phrase followed by a colon.

You can organize information in the following types of lists:
Ordered list
In ordered lists, each list item starts with a number. Use this list type if the order of the items matters to the reader. For example, steps to be executed in order would be presented as an ordered list.
Unordered list
In unordered lists, each list item starts with a symbol, such as a "bullet" character. Use this list type if the order of the items doesn't matter to the reader. For example, a simple list of product features would be presented as an unordered list.
Definition list
In definition lists, each list item consists of two parts: a term and a definition. Use this list type if each item is a phrase or term that needs to be defined. For example, a terminology list with terms that are proprietary to your product or organization, along with the definitions of those terms, would be presented as a definition list.

It's allowed, though not recommended, to create lists within lists.

Instructions for editors

When checking copy, editors must not only check that lists are properly formatted, but also take care to check that running text that lends itself for being turned into a list, is in fact presented as a list.

For example, consider the following content:

To make coffee, fill the water container with tap water up to the line indicated, put four level spoonfuls of coffee in the funnel, screw on the coffee container, and put the stove-top coffee maker on the fire.

An editor should spot that this is a numbered list disguised as a paragraph. The text should read as follows:

To make coffee:
  1. Fill the water container with tap water up to the line indicated.
  2. Put four level spoonfuls of coffee in the funnel.
  3. Screw on the coffee container.
  4. Put the stove-top coffee maker on the fire.
Editors must also use a screen reader to ensure the following:
  • The number of list items matches the number identified.
  • Visitors can use the L key to navigate between lists.
  • Visitors can use the I key to navigate between list items in a list.