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Previous ADA Tools Within Software

Excel Accessibility Quick Tips

Excel document icon

Organize workbook structure

  • Assign descriptive, unique names to all worksheet tabs that clearly indicate the content within.
  • Remove unnecessary blank worksheets from your workbook.
  • Place title and essential details like company name in cell A1 to establish proper navigation structure.
  • Complete document metadata by entering title, subject, and author in the file properties.

Use accessible formatting practices

  • Create meaningful hyperlink text that clearly describes the destination rather than alphanumeric URLs or using generic phrases.
  • Apply high-contrast color schemes; ensure 4.5:1 ratio for normal text, 3:1 for large text.
  • Use alignment tools and cell resizing for layout spacing instead of inserting blank rows or columns.

 

Format data for clear navigation

  • Define title regions by creating named data ranges for better structural organization.
  • Conceal empty rows and columns to eliminate visual clutter and improve screen reader navigation.
  • Mark empty data cells with “Cell intentionally left blank” or “No data” when leaving them vacant is unavoidable.

 

Design accessible tables and visuals

  • Configure proper header rows and columns using Table Design > Table Style Options settings.
  • Assign descriptive names to tables through Table Design > Properties for better identification.
  • Include image and chart descriptions directly in nearby data cells since Excel’s alt text isn’t screen reader compatible.

 

Use accessibility checker tools

  • Open Review > Check Accessibility to identify potential barriers and receive improvement suggestions.
  • Conduct additional manual reviews beyond the automated checker for comprehensive accessibility.

 

Learn more How to Make an Accessible Spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel through a series of videos from the Accessible Electronic Document Community of Practice (AED CoP).