Accessible List Markup
Create real lists with the authoring tool’s list function or semantic list markup. Do not fake a list with typed hyphens or bullet characters alone.
Use real list structure—such as UL/OL with LI in HTML or the document editor’s list function—so assistive technology can recognize and navigate the list.
Key details
Important caveats
Boundary
Choosing bullets versus numbers is a separate content decision; this guide is about preserving list semantics in the underlying structure.
Further guidance
Accessibility
Structural list markup lets screen readers announce and navigate lists rather than perceiving only a run of decorated paragraphs.
Semantic Structure
Use semantic ordered or unordered list structures and mark each item as a list item.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Lists — Home Office User-Centred Design Manual (opens in a new tab)UK Home Office · Semantic list markup/list functions for accessibility and correct ordered/unordered list structure