WCAG 2.0 Applicability:
- 1.3.1 Info and Relationships
- 1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence
- 2.4.2 Page Titled
Curb Cuts: Using built-in structural features is much more reliable that trying to use typography for formatting (e.g., tabs to separate table cells, repeated new lines for a page break).
6.1 Tables
When using tables, it is important to ensure that they are clear and appropriately structured. This helps all users to better understand the information in the table and allows assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to provide context so that the information within the table can be conveyed in a meaningful way.
Tips for tables
- Only use tables for tabular information, not for formatting, such as to position columns.
- Use “real tables” rather than text formatted to look like tables using the TAB key or space bar. These will not be recognized by assistive technology.
- Keep tables simple by avoiding merged cells and dividing complex data sets into separate smaller tables, where possible.
- If tables split across pages, set the header to show at the top of each page. Also set the table to break between rows instead of in the middle of rows.
- Create a text summary of the essential table contents. Any abbreviations used should be explained in the summary.
- Table captions or descriptions should answer the question “what is the table’s purpose and how is it organized?” (e.g. “A sample order form with separate columns for the item name, price and quantity”).
- Table cells should be marked as table headers when they serve as labels to help interpret the other cells in the table.
- Table header cell labels should be concise and clear.
- Ensure the table is not “floating” on the page (see Technique 4. Avoid “Floating” Elements).
To insert a table
- Go to menu item: Insert.
- In the Tables section, select Insert Table.
- Select the Number of columns and the Number of rows you would like your table to have.
- Select the OK button.
To a heading row
- Place the cursor in the top-row of the table that you would like to make into the heading row.
- The Table Tools menu item should appear.
- Go to menu item: Table Tools > Layout.
- In the Table section, select Properties.
- Select the Row tab.
- Select the Repeat as header row at the top of each page checkbox.
6.2. Lists
When you create lists, it is important to format them as “real lists.” Otherwise, assistive technologies will interpret your list as a series of short separate paragraphs instead of a coherent list of related items.
To create an ordered or unordered list
- Go to menu item: Home.
- In the Paragraph section, select the Bullets icon for unordered lists or select the Numbering icon for ordered lists.
To modify list styles
- Go to menu item: Home.
- In the Paragraph section, select the arrow beside the Bullets icon for unordered lists or select the arrow beside the Numbering icon for ordered lists.
- Select Define New Bullet… to create a new unordered list format.
- Select Define New Number Form