Excel - Enhancing the Navigation Pane for Improved Accessibility - Episode 2418

Microsoft Excel Tutorial: Understanding the Navigation Pane for low-vision people using Excel.

Welcome to another episode of the MrExcel Podcast, where we dive into all things Excel. In today's episode, we'll be discussing a new feature that has been added to Excel - the Navigation Pane. This feature is not only useful for regular users, but it also greatly enhances accessibility for those with vision issues. Microsoft has taken the time to listen to their customers and understand the challenges they face when using Excel, and this new feature is a result of that.

Located on the View tab, the Navigation Pane allows users with vision issues to easily navigate their way around a spreadsheet using a screen reader. It automatically detects important elements such as pivot tables, slicers, and charts, making it easier for users to find what they need. However, as I tested this feature, I realized that there were certain elements that were not being picked up by the Navigation Pane. This is where you, as a spreadsheet author, can make a difference.

By simply naming ranges in your spreadsheet, you can greatly improve the results of the Navigation Pane. For example, if you have a section for titles, headings, data, notes, and a lookup table, you can name each of these ranges accordingly. This will make it easier for the Navigation Pane to detect and navigate to these areas. As I switched to my Test Two spreadsheet, you can see the significant improvement in the results. This small step can make a huge difference for those using a screen reader to navigate Excel.

Excel can be an intimidating program for those who can see, let alone for those using a screen reader. This new feature, along with some thoughtful naming of ranges, can greatly improve the accessibility of your spreadsheet. So, if you know that your workbook may be used by someone with vision issues, take the time to name your ranges and make their experience with Excel a little easier. If you found this video helpful, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Ring the bell for more Excel tips and tricks. And as always, feel free to leave any questions or comments down below. Thanks for watching and I'll see you in the next episode of the MrExcel Podcast.

Table of Contents
(0:00) Walkthrough: Navigation Pane in Excel
(0:20) Low-vision in Excel
(0:40) Using Screen Reader with Excel
(1:15) What should the navigation pane find?
(1:55) To improve results for low-vision co-workers, add Named Ranges
(2:40) Excel is intimidating
(3:00) Clicking Like really helps the algorithm

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A new navigation pane debuts in Excel. It is a feature for people with low vision who are using Excel with a screen reader. Take a look at how you can easily make your workbook easier to navigate.

How to improve your Excel workbooks for people with low vision
How to improve your Excel workbooks for people using a screenreader
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[excelisfun]

Thanks, Mr Excel : ) Names are a great idea.

[wayneedmondson]

Interesting new feature. Thanks for the demo and suggestions. Thumbs up!!

[mattschoular]

Thanks Mr.Excel. Many people could benefit from this down the road.

[GeertDelmulle]

I'm very much used to the Navigation Pane in Word (like so many people).
And I can see the benefits of having it in Excel, too. Even for people who have a little better eye sight.
e.g.: if there is something 'lost' on a sheet somewhere far away, it will be indicated on the Navigation Pane, I think.
For managing complex workbooks in general, it could be a help.

[darrylmorgan]

Hopefully This Really Great Feature Will Help Many People...Thank You Mr Excel :)

[pegmolter]

Can't find this. I have Office 365

[johnwatson]

Thanks Bill, as someone who has worked with vision impaired accountants for 10 years I think this is a fantastic step forward. Do you know if this is in general release or still being rolled out? Or just on the insider channel? Silly questions, I'll run my latest update and see if it appears. Whatever the case, very appreciative that you shared this.

[pegmolter]

I cannot find this "Navigation" option. Anyone know which this is so that I can check it out?

[amzy]

Libre office Calc already have navigation pane, it's better than Microsoft excel