Repeating table headers improves reading order and significantly improves the reading experience for people with poor vision. One practical tip for improving table reading order is to use the “Repeat Header Rows” feature in Microsoft Word. This feature ensures that header rows are consistently read aloud by screen readers at the start of each row, maintaining context for users navigating the table. Having the header rows at the top of each page also helps the table be readable for everyone.
Microsoft Word
There are two ways to do this in Word: Select the entire table, then right-click on “Layout” at the far right on the top ribbon. Then, click “Repeat Header Rows” at the far right of the second ribbon.
The second way is to right-click the row in the table and click “Table Properties” on the popup. Then click on the “Row” tab and check the box that says, “Repeat as header row at the top of each page.”
Microsoft PowerPoint
PowerPoint does not have a direct “Repeat Header Rows” feature like Microsoft Word. However, you can improve reading order in tables within PowerPoint by manually structuring your table headers consistently across each slide.
Repeating Table Headers Improves Reading Order
Repeating headers helps users keep track of the column context, especially in long tables that span multiple pages or screens. Screen readers can announce the headers as users navigate the table, making it easier for them to understand the data. Repeating table headings helps screen readers identify the headers properly, improves the reading order for all, and significantly improves the reading experience for everyone.
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