Standard: Text and Heading Styles
Brief description
(see the full document below for details)
EPA uses a standard cascading style sheet that establishes the font, font size, and font style for all sections of the page, including headings.
Note: This is a "legacy" standard, written before the Web Council was created. It has been in force since the effective date. Since the creation of the Web Council, it has been rewritten to follow the normal layout for standards. "Date approved" refers to when the Web Council approved this rewritten version.
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All standards and guidance
Style requirements
- Text Styles. Use the fonts and styles specified in the style sheet for all text appearing on a page,
including headings, in all sections of the page. Variations
on these standard styles must be approved by the Office of Public Affairs
- Text colors. Use black, the default color specified by the master style sheet, for non-linked text.. Other colors may be used sparingly to highlight short pieces of text, but do not use variations of blue or purple for non-linked text because those colors indicate links.
- Do not use text smaller than 10 pt. for text passages or 8 pt. for highlights, link boxes, etc.
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How to
To use the standard styles, simply code pages normally. For headings, use <h1>, <h2>, etc. No knowledge of style sheets is required.
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Rationale
Using a single, cohesive set of text and heading styles makes the Web site easier to read and provides a more professional look.
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Exemptions
If additional styles are needed, request approval from the Office of Public Affairs. If approved, implement them using the style sheet instead of <font> tags.
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Related governance documents
EPA
Related Policies
Related Procedures
Related Standards
Related Guidance
Non-EPA
None
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Full Metadata about this standard
Name Text and Heading Styles
Tracking number NT00000000
Type Standard
Required or Recommended Required
Effective date 03/22/2002
Date approved 03/13/2006
Category Page Elements, Writing and Style
Web Council review by 03/13/2009 (or earlier if deemed necessary by the Web Council)
Governing Policy Web Governance and Management (PDF) (4 pp, 339K, About PDF)
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