How to fix dlitem on Squarespace

Steps for Squarespace

1. In your Squarespace admin, go to the page with the issue and open the page editor.
2. If the offending markup is in a 'Code Block': click the block → Edit → find any `<dt>` or `<dd>` tags and wrap them in `<dl>` … `</dl>`.
3. For site-wide code injected via Settings → Advanced → Code Injection (Header/Footer): review that code for orphaned `<dt>`/`<dd>` elements and add `<dl>` wrappers.
4. If the issue is in theme-generated output (e.g., product detail pages), you may need to add CSS to restyle a different semantic element, or use a Code Block with correctly structured `<dl>` markup to replace the problematic content.
5. Save changes, preview the page, and inspect the DOM with browser DevTools to confirm the fix.

What is dlitem?

HTML has a special "description list" structure made up of three tags working together: `<dl>` (the list container), `<dt>` (a term or label), and `<dd>` (the description or value for that term). The rule being violated means your page has one or more `<dt>` or `<dd>` elements that are sitting outside of a `<dl>` wrapper — like list items floating in the air with no list around them. This is a structural HTML error that breaks the semantic meaning of the content and violates WCAG 2.x Success Criterion 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships).

Screen readers used by blind and low-vision shoppers rely on correct HTML structure to announce content meaningfully — for example, reading out "Shipping time: 3–5 business days" as a paired term and value. When `<dt>`/`<dd>` elements lack a `<dl>` parent, screen readers cannot convey that relationship, making product specs, FAQs, and shipping information confusing or completely inaccessible for these customers. This directly violates WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.3.1, which is a legal compliance requirement in many jurisdictions (ADA in the US, EN 301 549 in Europe). Beyond legal risk, accessibility failures can cost you customers, damage your reputation, and expose you to demand letters or lawsuits. Fixing this is also a trust signal: Google's crawlers increasingly reward semantically correct, accessible pages.

See the complete Dlitem guide for every platform and the full background.