Accessible Table Structures in InDesign

Tables are one of the most effective ways to present data, but they can also be one of the biggest accessibility challenges in an InDesign workflow. While InDesign provides some basic tools for creating accessible tables, understanding which table structures work well and which require additional remediation is critical to producing accessible PDFs efficiently.

In this session, you’ll learn how to create tables in InDesign that minimize accessibility issues before export. We’ll explore the differences between simple and complex table structures, identify common design patterns that create problems for assistive technology users, and discuss practical strategies for reducing cleanup work in Acrobat. You’ll also learn when InDesign alone is sufficient, when additional remediation is required, and how tools such as MadeToTag can help streamline the process. You’ll leave with practical checklists, design guidance, and a clear understanding of how to create table structures that support accessibility from the start.

Key takeaways:

• Understand the limitations of InDesign’s native table accessibility features
• Learn which table structures export successfully from InDesign and which require additional remediation
• Identify common table design patterns that create accessibility barriers and how to avoid them
• Discover strategies for reducing table remediation time in Acrobat
• Receive practical checklists and workflows for creating more accessible tables from the beginning