Tables

Add In Reading Order & Then Tags Panel to Verify

2 Table Types

There are two types of tables that may be used in documents - data tables and layout tables. When authoring documents, particularly from word processing applications, it is not recommended to use layout tables to organize and visually arrange content. If there is a need to create rich visual layouts, then the use of layout and design tools that support accessibility are necessary (e.g., Adobe InDesign). Data tables, on the other hand, are a functional method to organize and relate various pieces of information into a coherent display. Data tables may be used where appropriate and are an acceptable method to present content.

One challenge with data tables and accessibility is verifying how the information will be presented to the actual user if assistive computer technology is being utilized. For instance, it is fairly easy to determine the logical reading order of a document, but it is not as easy to determine if a data table contains all the relevant code to communicate the appropriate row and column information. Testing with assistive computer technology is one method, however, this assumes that the assistive computer technology supports the included tag information to accurately communicate the data table to the user.

With respect to PDF, the recommendation is to include the appropriate code information and test (when necessary) with the understanding that not all assistive computer technology will support the PDF data table content.

In order to specify row and column headers, as well as a table summary, it is necessary to begin with a tagged PDF document with the data table marked as “Table”. It is possible that if tags are added using the “Add Tags to Document” function that tables may be marked as “Figure” or other text content. Use the TouchUp Reading Order tool to zone and mark data table content as “Table” before proceeding below.

Step 1: Set Row and Column Headers

Row and column headers, as well as their “scope” can be specified using the Reading Order tool (formally known as the TouchUp Reading Order tool). This would potentially aid assistive computer technology applications in speaking the relevant row or column information to an individual navigating the data table.

Step 1

To add row and column header information, enable the Reading Order tool (Tools > Accessibility > Reading Order).

Step 2

Do you have an untagged or tagged document?

If the table is untagged, in Reading Order, draw a rectangle around the content then click on Table.

If the table is tagged, in Reading Order, designate a header cell by selecting it. To select a cell, click it, and the cell should turn blue.

Step 3

In the Reading Order tool, choose the Table Editor button.

Step 4

If on the table, you do not see TD or TH, right click on a cell > select Table Editor Options > check mark under Label Option > Show cell type (TH or TD).

Step 5

For each row header, right click in the actual table cell and choose “Table Cell Properties”
Set the “Type” as Header Cell and the “Scope” property as Row.

Step 2: Double check table navigation and cell type via Tags Panel.

Verify table headers and cell types are in the correct reading order using the Tags Panel. 

How to Create Accessible Tables 

Tagging a Table Overview 

Add a Table Summary

A table summary can be added that provides the user with a very brief overview of what information is to follow in the data table. It is not necessary to repeat the actual data in the table summary; rather, use the table summary to give the user a preview of what information the table communicates. The table summary is not viewable in the PDF document, but is designed to be spoken to an individual using assistive computer technology.

Step 1

To add a table summary, enable the Reading Order tool (Accessibility > Reading Order...)

Step 2

With the data table marked as a Table, right-click anywhere in the data table.

Step 3

Choose the option Edit Table Summary.

Step 4 

Add a summary for the table and press OK. Save the document to retain the changes. It is recommended to break complex tables into simpler ones for readability and managing table accessibility.