Tables for Layout
Answer
Tables are intended as a way to present complex data. While they can be used to control the way that visual elements are arranged, this is not a best practice. Tables were commonly used for layout in early web applications, but often there are better ways to achieve layout goals without tables. Using tables for layout isn't automatically bad accessibility practice, but must be used carefully to avoid introducing barriers.
Examples:
Do
- consider benefits of other layout options.
- consider table reading order carefully.
- keep layout tables as simple as possible.
- test layout tables to ensure they allow users to resize text.
Don't
- include captions or headers in layout tables.