Microsoft Word Tables and Columns
8 Keywords: Microsoft Word, Word Processing, Written Work, Dissertations, Essays, Assignments, Tables, Columns
Microsoft Word Tables and Columns can be used to organise text in a document. They are easy to add but it is important to use headers and have the right data in the rows when using a table, so they can be read in the correct order by a screen reader.
There is an easy to follow video on inserting tables in Word 2003 from About.com. With Word 2007 the insert tab on the ribbon leads to the table insert button where you can add the grid or choose how you want the table to appear.
Tables allow you to sort data and use a layout with different widths, fonts etc which is easier to achieve in tables compared to columns.
Columns can be added to a document after the text has been written or whilst you are writing. There is a similar process for Word 2003 and Word 2007.
Column-formatted text looks more professional with the text balanced across the columns.
In Word 2007 - Select and highlight the text you want to be in columns - go to the Page Layout tab on the Ribbon - select Columns choose the number required.
- Creating accessible Word documents
Webaim provide instructions on how to make Word documents web ready and usable with screen readers and for Braille printing. The offer guidelines for structure, adding tables and saving in HTML.
- Microsoft Word Accessibility
This gude is all about good use of Microsoft Word Styles, headings and specific formatting rather than TAB, Spacebar and Enter keys to present a document make it much easier for a screen reader user or someone requiring Braille to work with your learning materials. Text to speech and careful use of colour can also help those with specific learning difficulties and colour deficiencies. All this can also make it easier for you to convert documents into accessible PDFs or Web Pages. If you are using Office 2007 ensure it is backward compatible by saving as a .doc or .rtf as these formats can be read in many other applications such as Open Office.
