WCAG Guideline 2.4.2: Page Titled Explained
Estimated read time: 5–6 minutes
Guideline 2: Operable
The Operable principle ensures that all users can interact with and control web content, regardless of their abilities. This includes helping users know where they are by providing clear, descriptive page titles.
Guideline 2.4: Navigable
Guideline 2.4 focuses on making it easier for users to navigate, find content, and determine where they are. Page Titled is about ensuring every page has a unique, descriptive title.
What Is Guideline 2.4.2 Page Titled?
"Web pages have titles that describe topic or purpose."
Guideline 2.4.2 Page Titled is a Level A requirement in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) .
- Every page must have a unique, descriptive title that reflects its content or purpose.
- Helps users, especially those using screen readers, know where they are.
- Titles appear in browser tabs, bookmarks, and search results.
This ensures every page is clearly identified, supporting navigation and accessibility for all users.
For more, see WebAIM: Page Titles .
Why Does It Matter?
- Inclusivity: Descriptive titles help users identify and navigate between pages.
- Legal Compliance: Page Titled is a Level A requirement in WCAG 2.1 and 2.2.
- Usability: Improves navigation and search for all users.
For more, see W3C’s guidance on page titles .
What Needs to Have a Page Title?
- All web pages
- Documents and browser tabs
- Any content that can be navigated to directly
All must have unique, descriptive titles.
How to Make Page Titles Accessible
- Use unique, descriptive titles for each page
- Place important information first
- Document title conventions
- Test with users who navigate by title
For more, see the W3C's Page Titled Techniques .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic or duplicate titles
- Titles that don't describe the page's purpose
- Not documenting title conventions
- Not testing with users who navigate by title
Differences Between A, AA, and AAA for Guideline 2.4.2 in WCAG 2.2
- Level A: Requires web pages have titles that describe topic or purpose. This is the core requirement for 2.4.2 and is mandatory for basic accessibility.
- Level AA: For Guideline 2.4.2, there are no additional requirements beyond Level A in WCAG 2.2. Meeting Level A for this guideline also satisfies Level AA.
- Level AAA: For Guideline 2.4.2, there are no additional requirements beyond Level A in WCAG 2.2. Meeting Level A for this guideline also satisfies Level AAA.
For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 2.4.2 Page Titled .
Quick Checklist
- Every page has a unique, descriptive title
- Important information is first in the title
- Title conventions are documented
- Tested with users who navigate by title
Summary
Guideline 2.4.2 is essential for helping users identify and navigate your site. By providing descriptive titles for every page, you support users with disabilities, improve usability, and meet legal requirements. Test your site regularly and make page titling a core part of your development process.