2.4.2 - Page Titled – Level A
High-Level Description
This success criterion ensures that each web page has a descriptive and meaningful title that helps users understand the purpose or topic of the page.
Detailed Description
Applies to:
- Every unique HTML page in a website or application.
- All types of content - static pages, forms, dashboards, modals, error pages.
This allows:
- Users, especially those using screen readers or cognitive aids, to identify their current location and context.
- Easier navigation between browser tabs or history items.
- Clear and predictable user experiences.
Indicators of Non-Compliance:
- Page title is missing
- Title is vague or generic - "Untitled Page" or "Home".
- Title does not reflect the content or purpose of the page.
- Dynamic pages, such as single-page apps, do not update titles as users navigate.
Real World Examples
| Scenario | Non-Compliant Title | Compliant Title |
|---|---|---|
| Homepage | Welcome | Company/Website Name - Home |
| Contact page | Contact | Company/Website Name - Contact Us |
| Event details page | Event | Company/Website Name - Fundraising Dinner - June 2025 |
| User dashboard | Dashboard | Company Name/Website - My Account Dashboard |
Disability Impact
| Disability Group | Without Descriptive Titles | With Descriptive Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Users | Screen readers announce unhelpful or missing titles. | Immediate context via screen reader announcements. |
| Cognitive Disabilities | Confusion navigating between tasks. | Quick reorientation via descriptive tab titles. |
Supporting Documentation
- WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.4.2 - Page Titled
- HTML Specification – < title > element
- G88 - Providing descriptive titles for Web pages
Remediation Strategies
1 - Provide a Unique and Descriptive title for Each Page
< !-- Good -- >
< title >Donate | Vision Ireland< /title >
< !-- Bad -- >
< title >Page 1< /title >