1. Define the question answered by the table
  2. Associate values with their headers
  3. Provide access to values beyond the image
  4. Check the version actually shared

Define the question answered by the table

Choose the columns needed for comparison and state the period, unit and source. A column labelled result without a definition can refer to incompatible measures. Distinguish zero, missing data and not applicable. Add a sentence explaining what readers can observe without presenting correlation as causation. A smaller, explicit table is often more usable than an overloaded grid.

Associate values with their headers

The W3C tutorial explains that data cells need structural relationships with their headers. In HTML, th and td distinguish their roles; complex relationships need appropriate associations. Do not rely solely on colour, bold text or visual position. For an office document, use the software’s header functions and check what survives the export.

Provide access to values beyond the image

A screenshot can accompany a post but does not replace a structured text version. Provide a descriptive link to the table or data and explain the main point in the post. Alternative text can summarise the image and indicate that destination without reciting a large unreadable grid. For a few rows, a plain text list may be a better complement than a link to a large file.

Check the version actually shared

Check units, decimal marks, signs and missing values in the final file. W3C notes that table structure can be lost during conversion. Test the distributed version rather than only the original: reading, navigation, zoom and access on a small screen. Avoid unnecessary merged cells and document limitations. If the table changes, date the version and correct posts that summarise it as well.

A fictional case to apply the process

Fictional example: an association compares registrations for three workshops. It publishes a title, period and one row per workshop, distinguishes missing data from zero and links the social post to the structured version. The screenshot is only a preview.

Template to adapt

Copy this outline into your working document without passwords or unnecessary personal data.

Question addressed:
Title and period:
Unit and definition:
Source:
Columns and headers:
Missing values:
Cautious summary:
Structured version:
Check after conversion:
Date and owner:

Your check before use

Checks to complete

0 / 4

Useful questions

Is a long alternative text enough?

For a large grid, provide a structured version and summarise the image. Reading every cell as one text block may be difficult to use.

Is a table always needed?

No. A list may be sufficient for a few facts without comparison across rows and columns. Choose the format that makes the task easier.

Sources and scope

Sources consulted on 10 October 2026 for the points specified below. The method, template and example are editorial proposals; they are not service tests.