Use a screen reader to create column headers in a table in Excel

This article is for people who use a screen reader program such as Windows Narrator, JAWS, or NVDA with Microsoft 365 products. This article is part of the Microsoft 365 screen reader support content set where you can find more accessibility information on our apps. For general help, visit Microsoft Support.

Use Excel with your keyboard and a screen reader to create descriptive column headers in an existing table. We have tested it with Narrator, JAWS, and NVDA, but it might work with other screen readers as long as they follow common accessibility standards and techniques.

Table headers also help people who use screen readers understand what the column is all about. In a long table, table headers replace the worksheet column headings so that they stay visible when you move through the table data. Table headers should not be confused with worksheet column headings or the headers for printed pages.

Notes: 

Add column headers to an existing table

You can add column headers to a table even if you created your table without headers. You can also change the default header names directly in the worksheet.

For instructions on how to add column headers when creating a table, refer to Use a screen reader to insert a table in an Excel worksheet.

  1. Place focus anywhere in the table.

  2. Press Alt+J, T, and then O to add column headers.

  3. To edit the default column header name, press the arrow keys until you hear with Narrator the column cell you want to edit, followed by "Editable, column," and the default header name. With JAWS, you hear the default header name and the cell, followed by "Column header." With NVDA, you hear the default header name and the cell.

  4. Type the new header name.

See also

Use a screen reader to insert a table in an Excel worksheet

Use a screen reader to title a table in Excel

Keyboard shortcuts in Excel

Basic tasks using a screen reader with Excel

Set up your device to work with accessibility in Microsoft 365

Use a screen reader to explore and navigate Excel

Technical support for customers with disabilities

Microsoft wants to provide the best possible experience for all our customers. If you have a disability or questions related to accessibility, please contact the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for technical assistance. The Disability Answer Desk support team is trained in using many popular assistive technologies and can offer assistance in English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. Please go to the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk site to find out the contact details for your region.

If you are a government, commercial, or enterprise user, please contact the enterprise Disability Answer Desk.

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.