Some webtexts contain spreadsheet templates to guide you through your assignments. These templates are registered as applications on the webpage by screen readers and will always be preceded by a heading level five of “Assignment Template,” “Practice Template,” or something similar.
Using spreadsheet templates with a screen reader
Screen readers will recognize each spreadsheet as an application area. You can tab into the application area to enter the application mode of your screen reader.
Once you are in the spreadsheet template, you can navigate it using the keyboard commands listed in the table below.
Using spreadsheet templates with a keyboard
Each spreadsheet template can receive tab focus. While you’re in the spreadsheet template, you should use the keyboard commands listed in the table below. When you have finished with your spreadsheet template and are ready to move on, press Tab to move out of the spreadsheet template.
Keyboard commands
Action | Windows/PC commands | Mac commands |
Move from cell to cell in any direction in the spreadsheet | Arrow keys | Arrow keys |
Move down one cell in a spreadsheet | Enter/Return | Enter/Return |
Move up one cell in a spreadsheet | Shift+Enter/Return | Shift-Enter/Return |
Begin editing a cell | F2 | Function-F2 |
Confirm edits to a cell | Enter/Return (while editing a cell) | Enter/Return (while editing a cell) |
Exit the edit area of the cell and discard changes | Escape | Escape |
Copy the contents of a cell | Ctrl+C | Command-C |
Paste the contents of the clipboard into the cell | Ctrl+V | Command-V |
Note: If you navigate to another cell before typing a symbol or completing the formula, the initial cell reference is replaced by the new cell reference. Only the new cell reference is announced. | Arrow keys (while editing a cell) | Arrow keys (while editing a cell) |
For more information on spreadsheet templates, visit our other article, How do I use spreadsheet templates?
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