spec 2 linked patterns checked
WAI Tables Tutorial
Explains data table structure, header and data-cell relationships, th and td usage, captions, scope, id and headers associations, and avoiding layout-table misuse.
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What this source can teach
Use this source to check a technical or accessibility requirement against its exact wording and scope.
- Start with the original. Open the source and find the guidance or example relevant to your task.
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Pattern Decisions This Source Supports
| Pattern | Supported decision | Required contract | Claim note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expandable row | Choose expandable row when the main surface is a table or list and the extra content is owned by one row. | The expand control names the affected row, exposes expanded state, and controls only that row's detail region. | WAI table guidance supports preserving header and cell relationships in data tables. |
| Table | Choose table when each row represents one record and each column represents the same attribute for every row. | The table caption or nearby heading names the dataset and purpose, not just Table. | WAI table guidance supports semantic headers, data cells, captions, scope, and complex header associations. |
Comparisons supported by this source
- Expandable row vs table vs details panel vs accordion
WAI table guidance supports preserving row, column, and header relationships inside data tables.
- Table vs sort controls vs filter panel vs pagination
WAI table guidance supports semantic header and data-cell relationships, captions, scope, and complex-table associations.
Evidence Role
This source is treated as spec evidence. Its value comes from the specific claims and setting described above.
Publisher: W3C Web Accessibility Initiative. Last checked: .