Headings in Admin screens change in WordPress 4.3

Are you a theme, pluginPlugin A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory https://wordpress.org/plugins/ or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party or framework developer for WordPress? Take note: the heading structure in the Adminadmin (and super admin) screens will change in WordPress 4.3.

From H2 to H1

Currently, in WordPress 4.2 and before, the main heading in admin screens is an <h2>. However, if you want to have a correct, semantic heading structure, a page should an <h1>, but only one, which describes what the page is about.

People using assistive technologyAssistive technology Assistive technology is an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and also includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them. Assistive technology promotes greater independence by enabling people to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing, by providing enhancements to, or changing methods of interacting with, the technology needed to accomplish such tasks. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology use the <h1> to identify a page and quickly know where they are. Further, proper HTML5 dictates that an <h1> should be the initial heading.

Therefore, in WordPress 4.3 the headings of all admin screens have been changed from <h2> to <h1> (see #31650).

Related CSSCSS Cascading Style Sheets. changes

If your theme or plugin still uses <h2> for admin screens, don’t worry; styles for <h2> are still supported in the admin CSS so that, visually, nothing changes during the update to 4.3. However, a new class was introduced to properly style <h1>s, page-title-action. Here’s an example of the new class in use:

<h1>Posts <a href="[..]/wp-admin/post-new.php" class="page-title-action">Add New</a></h1>

The old class .wrap .add-new-h2 is still supported but has been labeled deprecated. It has been replaced by: .wrap .page-title-action.

More changes ahead

After the release of WordPress 4.3, the accessibility team will continue making changes to heading so that they are semantically correct. Current <h3>s will become <h2>s, <h4>s will become <h3>s, and so on.

Check your code

Does your plugin, theme, or framework have admin screens? Check the heading structure. Change the main heading from an <h2> into an <h1>. If you’re feeling generous, check the rest of your heading structure to ensure it’s semantic.

Making these semantic changes will ensure your plugin or theme is in sync with WordPress and that people using a screen reader can understand your admin screens better.

If you have any questions, ask them in the comment section below, or contact the WordPress accessibilityAccessibility Accessibility (commonly shortened to a11y) refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities. The concept of accessible design ensures both “direct access” (i.e. unassisted) and “indirect access” meaning compatibility with a person’s assistive technology (for example, computer screen readers). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accessibility) team in the #accessibility channel in WordPress Slack.

#4-3, #dev-notes