Creating Accessible Tables in the Content Editor

Objective

This article outlines the steps to create an accessible table using the content editor, ensuring it is friendly for screen readers.

Key Steps

Step 1: Open the Content Editor
Image of Content Editor

  • Select your page.
  • Click on 'Show Editor'.
  • Locate the table icon to add a table in the Rich Text Editor.

Step 2: Configure Table Rows and Columns
Content Editor Rich Text Editor window with drop down of table selector

  • Choose the number of rows and columns needed for your table in the drop down grid.

Step 3: Access Table Properties
Rich Text Editor window with example of table with headers

  • Right-click on the table.
  • Select 'Table Properties' from the context menu.

Step 4: Set Accessibility Options
Rich Text Editor window with table properties open

  • Navigate to the 'Accessibility' tab.
  • Indicate that there is one row of headings and no column headings.

Step 5: Add Captions and Summaries
Rich Text Editor window with Accessibility tab open for table properties

  • Add a caption using descriptive language to describe the table's content for screen readers.
  • Optionally, include a summary.

Step 6: Save Changes
Rich Text Editor window with Accessibility tab open and OK button to accept settings

  • Click 'OK' to apply the changes.
  • Accept and save the updated table.

Step 7: Preview the Table
Rich Text Editor window showing table with headers and example content

  • Preview the table to see how it will look on the live site once published, to ensure headers and captions are displayed correctly.
  • With the item selected and saved, click the Preview button under the Publish tab.

Step 8: Verify Code Structure
Preview of table as it would appear once published in new tab using web template styling

  • Check the code to confirm the presence of:
    • Table tag
    • Caption
    • Header information
    • Body of the table.

Cautionary Notes

  • Ensure that the table is not overly complex, as this can hinder accessibility.
  • Avoid using design properties that may conflict with accessibility features.

Tips for Efficiency

  • Familiarize yourself with the content editor's interface to speed up the process.

Link to Loom Video of Steps

 

Was this article helpful?
0 out of 1 found this helpful

Articles in this section

See more
How to Contact Support
There are many ways to reach out! Click the icon above for our support options.
Watermark Academy
Click the icon above to access the Watermark Academy for consultation, training, and implementation companion courses.
Customer Community
Can’t find the answer? Ask fellow users how they’re making the most of Watermark in our Community!