Simple and accessible tables are ideal when presenting tabular data. Learn how to improve access for tables so screen reader users and others can understand the data.
Step 1: Add a header row to the Table
Note: When you add a table to your document, two new tabs to appear in the ribbon: Design and Layout. These are the Table Tools.
- On the Design tab, choose the Table Styles Options group, and then choose Header row. Other options include Banded Rows or Total Row.
- Under Table Layout, in the Data group, select Repeat Header Rows.
Your table now has a header row. This means that, behind the scenes, Word and any assistive technologies can communicate intelligently about the table.
Step 2: Add column headings to the Table
- Place your cursor in the first cell on the top row of your new table.
- Type the name for this column and then press Tab to move from one column to the next. Add additional column names as needed.
Your table now has column names, which makes it easier to understand the information that the table contains. Some screen readers can be set up to read column names at any time, which can help when working with a large table.
Step 3: Add a caption to the Table
- Select the table that you want to add a caption to.
- On the References tab, in the Captions group, select Insert Caption.
- In the Label list, select the label that best describes the object, such as a Table. If the list doesn't provide the label you want, select New Label, type the new label in the Label box, and then select OK.
- Type any text, including punctuation, that you want to appear after the label.
- Select OK.