Learn how to build clear, inclusive, and fully compliant Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets by following the STARS framework.
STARS Framework
Designing Accessible Content with STARS
S- Structure & Headings
T -Texts, Fonts, and Cell Spacing
A- Alternative Text
R- Readability, Hyperlinks, Color & Data Formating
S - Save & Final Steps
S- Structure and Workbook Settings
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Assign Sheet Names: Rename default sheet tabs (e.g. Sheet 1) to a descriptive title (e.g. "Number of Accessible Courses") by right-clicking the default sheet, such as Sheet 1 and select Rename, enter the descriptive title.
Remove Blank Worksheets: Delete blank worksheets, by right-clicking on the tab and then select Delete.
Cell A1: Select Cell A1 on each worksheet before saving.
S- Structure: Table Formatting
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Convert Data to a Table: Convert data ranges into a table. Select (Insert>Table) rather than using unformatted cells.
Enable Header Rows: Select the check Header Row under the Table Design Tab and assign specific column names for every header cell.
Avoid Cell Merging: Do not use Merge & Center. Instead use Format Cells > Alignment > Horizontal > Center Across Selection to center title text visually across columns instead.
T- Text: Text Wrapping and Cell Spacing
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Text: Use standard sans-serif fonts (such as Arial, Calibri, Aptos, or Helvetica) at 11pt or larger for body text and numbers.
Enable Text Wrapping: Wrap Text (under the Home table) for longer text to ensure content remains visible within cell boundaries.
Cell Spacing: Expand columns and rows (Format > AutoFit Column Width).
A- Alternative Text
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Image Descriptions: Right-click (Control + click on Mac) charts, embedded images, or shapes, select View Alt Text (or Edit Alt Text), and write a brief description (under 150 characters) explaining the purpose.
Decorative Visuals: Check Mark as decorative in the Alt Text pane for purely visual graphics so screen readers skip them.
Complex Charts: Provide a supplemental text summary for complex charts and diagrams in an adject cell.
R- Readability: Hyperlinks, Color Contrast, and Formatting
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Descriptive Links: Highlight clear text describing the destination (e.g., "UIS Course Catalog") rather than generic phrases like "click here" or full web addresses.
Blank Cells: Add "No Data in Cell: or "N/A" for empty cells.
Color Contrast: Use contrasting colors for chart and graph data, do not rely on color alone to convey meaning of visuals. Verify color contrast by using the WebAim Color Contrast Checker.
S- Save & Final Steps
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Run the Accessibility Checker: Go to Review>Check Accessibility to identify initial errors.
Manually Review: Verify the sheet tab name, merged cells, table formatting is correct.
Document Metadata: Add a descriptive document title and specify the primary language in the file properties before saving. Select the File, Info, and then select Advanced Properties, type a simple title for the document in the Title field.
Additional Resources
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