Documentation/Documents need title

Documents need title

ZMD019

ZemDomu reports a supported HTML document whose <head> has no non-empty <title>. Add a concise title that identifies the page's topic or purpose.

What this rule catches

  • Supported HTML documents with no <title> element in <head>.
  • Title elements whose static text is empty or contains only whitespace.

What static analysis cannot prove

  • Static analysis cannot prove that the title accurately distinguishes the page from other routes or states.
  • Single-page applications that update titles at runtime require navigation and rendered-browser testing.

Standards classification and detection confidence

Classification
normative — The rule checks whether the supported document source supplies a non-empty page title.
Detection confidence
high — A missing or empty resolved title is deterministic. The rule cannot judge whether the title identifies the page's topic or purpose well.

Applicable WCAG 2.2 criteria

Criterion 2.4.2 requires web pages to have titles that describe topic or purpose.

Normative means the rule checks a machine-testable part of a cited standards requirement. Advisory means it enforces a documented authoring convention or supporting technique. Neither classification makes a ZemDomu result proof of WCAG conformance.

Examples

✅ Good

<html>
  <head>
    <title>Account Settings | ZemDomu</title>
  </head>
  <body>
    <main>...</main>
  </body>
</html>

❌ Bad

<html>
  <head></head>
  <body>
    <main>...</main>
  </body>
</html>

React and Vue notes

React/TSX
For client-rendered routes, verify that the framework's metadata or head API produces a distinct document title after every navigation.
Vue
For client-rendered routes, verify that the router or head-management integration produces a distinct document title after every navigation.

Quick summary

When: An <html> document has no <title>, or <title> exists but is empty

Warning: Document missing non-empty <title> in <head>

Solution: Add a concise, non-empty <title> value in the <head>.

Why it matters

Accessibility: A missing title makes it harder to identify the current page, distinguish browser tabs, and understand navigation history.

SEO: Search systems lose a primary source for identifying and presenting the page's topic.

References

Tips & edge cases

  • Keep titles specific to the page intent, not generic placeholders.
  • Pair a stable page title with a matching top-level heading for better orientation.

See also

Related guides

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