Creating Tables in PowerPoint

PowerPoint has tools for creating accessible simple tables and they should be used when creating tabular data in your document. Tables should have a header row and should not be used for creating layouts.

Table Configuration

To create a table in PowerPoint, use the following directions.

  1. Click the Insert tab
  2. Click the Table button
  3. Use your mouse cursor to measure the number of columns and rows for your data and the left click to insert the empty table into your document

creating tables in PowerPoint help image

Next:

  1. Click the Table Design tab
  2. Ensure that Header Row is checked in the Table Style Options

header row selection pane help image

All tables need a header row to be accessible for screen readers. Header rows provide context to the data in the table cells and makes understanding the table easier for users of assistive technology.