Creating Accessible Tables in Canvas

Last updated on June 12, 2026

Creating accessible content helps ensure all students can fully engage with your course materials.  Using tables in Canvas can be a helpful way to organize information, such as schedules, grading rubrics, or comparisons of information, but they need to be designed thoughtfully to support a more inclusive learning experience for everyone in your course. Small adjustments can make a big difference in helping students easily navigate and interpret your content.

For more accessibility guides and resources, visit the Accessibility page on our Ready website.  

Best Practices

What are tables for, and when should I use them?

Tables are for displaying data in a structured, easy-to-read format. They help organize information in rows and columns so relationships between data points are clear.  

They are useful for:

• Organizing complex information
  • Breaking content into rows and columns to improve readability.
  • Helping students scan and locate specific information quickly.
• Comparing different sets of data
  • Showing similarities and differences side-by-side.
  • Supporting decision-making or analysis (e.g., comparing theories, concepts, or results).
• Presenting schedules or timetables
  • Structuring dates, deadlines, and events in a consistent format.

When should I not use tables?

Tables should only be used when content requires structured relationships between rows and columns. 

Do not use tables in Canvas:

• For visual layout or formatting purposes.
  • Tables should not be used to control visual layout (e.g., spacing, alignment, or placing content side-by-side). Screen readers interpret tables as data, which can make this type of content confusing or difficult to navigate.
• When simpler alternatives, like lists, would be more effective.
  • Use lists when:
    • Information is a set of items without relationships across categories, and content is sequential (steps, processes), or hierarchical (main ideas and subpoints).
      • Example: Instructions, key takeaways, or grouped resources
  • Use headings and paragraphs when:
    • Content is primarily descriptive or explanatory, and information can be clearly organized into sections rather than rows and columns.
      • Example: Explanations of concepts, policies, or assignment descriptions

How do I make my tables accessible in Canvas?

Follow the guidelines below to ensure your tables in Canvas are accessible to all students.

• Create the table in the Rich Content Editor
  • Table formatting doesn’t always copy over cleanly from a program (such as Microsoft Word) to Canvas, so it is recommended to create them directly in Canvas using the RCE.
  • Use the Insert Table tool to add the appropriate number of rows and columns.
• Use a header column and/or row
  • After creating your table, set the first row and/or column as a header. This helps screen readers understand how the data is organized.
  • Use clear, descriptive labels (e.g., “Week,” “Topic,” “Assignment”).
• Add a caption
  • Provide a short title/description that explains the purpose of the table.
  • Example: “Weekly Course Schedule with Topics and Assignments.”
• Keep tables simple and consistent
  • Avoid merging or splitting cells, as this can make tables difficult for screen readers to interpret.
  • Keep the number of columns consistent across rows.
  • Avoid empty cells when possible (use “N/A” or similar labels if needed).
• Provide additional description for complex tables (if needed)
  • Add a brief written explanation before or after the table that highlights key information, patterns, or important details.
• Use the RCE Accessibility Checker to add or verify correct formatting
  • The accessibility checker below the text box of the RCE can assist with adding appropriate headers. 
  • You can either start with this tool and follow the prompts to add formatting, and/or use it to verify that items are accurate.

Let’s walk through it together

Directions

Create a Table in the RCE

1. Log in to your Canvas Account.
2. Select the Course you’d like to work in.
3. Click the name of the page where you want to add a table.
4. Click Edit in the top right of the screen.
5. Click on the Insert Table icon from the toolbar.
   • Alternatively, select the word Insert and then Table in the Rich Content Editor toolbar.
6. Choose the number of rows and columns you need.

Using Accessible Headers

Add a Header Row

Note: These directions do not automatically bold the row as a header.  You may bold the row manually or use similar “Add a Header Column” directions below to ensure the row is bolded.

1. After creating your table, click on the first row of the table.
2. Click Table from the menu at the top of the RCE.
3. Select Row from the menu options.
4. Choose Row Properties.
5. Click the dropdown arrow under Row Type.
6. Select Header from the list to set the row as a header row.
7. Click Save at the bottom right of the pop-up window.

Add a Header Column

1. Highlight the first column of the table.
2. Click Table in the Rich Content Editor toolbar.
3. Select Cell from the menu options.
4. Choose Cell properties.
5. Click the dropdown arrow under Cell Type.
6. Select Header Cell from the list of options.
7. Click the dropdown arrow under Scope.
8. Select Column from the list to set the column as a header row.
9. Click Save at the bottom right of the pop-up window.

Add a Table Caption and Provide Context

1. Click on the table to highlight it.
2. Click Table in the Rich Content Editor toolbar.
3. Select Table Properties.
4. Check the Show Caption box under the Caption heading.
5. Click the blue Save button on the bottom right of the pop-up window.
6. Click into the caption area above the table and replace the default text (“Caption”) with a short, descriptive title.
   • Example: “Weekly Course Schedule with Topics and Assignments”  
7. Click Save in the bottom right corner.

Check Your Table with the Accessibility Checker

After creating your table, use Canvas’s built-in Accessibility Checker to identify potential issues:

1. Click Accessibility Checker (the icon of a person in a circle) underneath the textbox of the Rich Content Editor.
   • Note: If there are any issues on the page, a small number will appear within this icon.
2. Review any issues flagged for your table.
   • The checker may identify:
     • Missing header or column rows
     • Tables without captions
     • Structural issues that affect accessibility
3. Follow the prompts in the checker to fix issues directly within the tool.
   • Canvas will guide you step-by-step through suggested fixes.
4. Confirm the issues are resolved.

Final Thoughts: Why is this important?

Accessible tables ensure that all students, including those using assistive technologies, can navigate and understand the information presented. This inclusivity not only meets legal and ethical standards but also enhances the learning experience for everyone.

Have Questions?

Need additional support on this or other teaching and learning topics? Please visit us for drop-in support (10am-3pm, M-F) or try one of our self-help tutorials. 

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