
Lists
Using lists properly is a fundamental concept that can support digital accessibility in all of your content.
Using lists to group related information can help make content easier to read.
When lists are formatted properly, people who use screen readers or other assistive technology will know how many items are in the list and can easily navigate through each list item.
Use a bulleted list when the order of the information doesn’t matter — for example, a grocery list.
- Apples
- Oranges
- Bananas
Use a numbered list when the order of the information is important for accurate understanding — for example, step-by-step instructions.
- Boil water.
- Place one tea bag in an empty mug.
- Pour the boiling water into the mug over the tea bag.
- Wait about 3 minutes to let the tea steep.
- Remove the tea bag.
When creating a list, be sure to use the built-in list buttons (bullet points or numbers) from the paragraph formatting options in the editing toolbar.

If a list is not formatted correctly, people who use screen readers or other assistive technology may have difficulty navigating the list. Avoid creating custom-formatted lists that use special characters instead of bullets or that rely on manual indentation, such as using the Tab key to create space.
- Always use the built-in list buttons (bullet points or numbers) from the editing toolbar to create a list
- Use a bulleted list when the order of the information doesn’t matter
- Use a numbered list when the order of the information is important for understanding
Fundamentals

Download the checklist
Download the digital accessibility fundamentals checklist PDF to help you keep track of the core principles of accessibility while creating and editing digital resources.
Get help from the Center for User Experience (CUE)
We partner with you to create accessible, usable, and inclusive digital spaces through free evaluations and consultations.










