Accessible Excel (implementation guide)

5.1. Text cells

Text cells only contain short texts. These texts are left-aligned (in contrast to numbers).

What is meant by this?

In Excel, cells are formatted specifically based on their content. If a cell contains only numeric values, these are usually formatted as required, for example as a currency with the corresponding currency symbol such as euros or dollars. Right-aligning numbers in Excel facilitates visual readability and alignment in columns.

In contrast, cells containing pure text should be left-aligned to ensure clear legibility. This left-aligned alignment facilitates the visual separation of text content and supports a clear presentation of the data in the table. By observing these formatting rules, Excel tables can be organised more clearly and the data is easier to understand.

Why is it important?

Left-aligned formatting is important because it supports recipients, especially those who use a voice output or a screen reader and/or have difficulty following the flow of reading or recognising the text. Left-aligned alignment means that the text within a cell starts on the left-hand edge, making it easier to follow the content. This clear structure improves readability and makes it easier to process information, especially for recipients with special requirements or reading difficulties.

How can I implement/check it?

To left-align a text, proceed as follows:

1. Select the cell whose alignment you want to check.
2. Then click on "Start" in the menu bar at the top.
3. Locate the "Paragraph" area in the menu bar.
4. There are four buttons for text alignment in this area: left-aligned, centred, right-aligned, justified.
5. Check which of the buttons is highlighted in grey. This is the current alignment of the text you have selected.