HTML <h1> element

The <h1> element represents a heading of the highest rank. It commonly supplies the main heading for a page, identifying the subject of the content that follows. This is a visible heading in the document's body; the <title> element supplies the document title used in the browser tab.

The elements <h1> through <h6> express six heading ranks. In a simple page structure, the main sections below an <h1> have <h2> headings, and subdivisions of those sections have <h3> headings. When moving into a deeper subsection, advance one rank at a time; returning to a higher rank can cross several levels when the intervening subsections have ended. The ranks describe relationships between sections; the heading elements themselves contain their heading text, not the sections or other headings.

Using one main <h1> is a straightforward convention for making the page's subject clear. HTML does not impose a one-per-page limit. Heading levels should nevertheless reflect the organisation of the whole document, including content placed inside <article> or <section> elements. Assistive technology can use the headings and their levels to help readers navigate that structure.

Browsers normally display <h1> text prominently. Its font size, weight, colour, and spacing can be changed with CSS while retaining its meaning as a heading. The heading rank is chosen for the document's structure, and CSS determines its visual presentation.

Attributes: GLOBALS.

Typical layout:
<h1>Software guide</h1>
<h2>Getting started</h2>
<p>Follow this guide to install and configure the software.</p>

Visual representation: