Grackle Sheets - Step by Step Guide

Sheets document needs a proper title 

Your document title typically defaults to the Google Sheet name, but you can confirm and edit your document title if needed. 

1. Open your Google Sheet.
2. Select the title at the top of the page and add your new document name

Sheet names should be descriptive 

Each individual sheet in your Google Sheet should have a unique name. This makes it easier for folks to navigate your document and understand its context. 

Avoid the default “Sheet1” that pre-populates when you create a new sheet. 

To rename an individual sheet: 

1. Select the downward carrot on the sheet that you would like to rename. 
2. Select Rename. Give your sheet a descriptive and unique name. 

The number of sheets should be reasonable 

Try to keep the number of individual sheets in your Google Sheets document under 50. 

Avoid making sheets too large 

If you have too much information on an individual sheet, it may make it more difficult to navigate and understand. Consider breaking the information into different, smaller sheets. 

Sheets should not be empty 

Each sheet in your Google Sheets document should have some content. Empty sheets could be confusing or disorienting for some users.  

Learn more about accessible tables.

Tables should have headers 

To add a header row or column to your table, you will need to:

1. Add your header row or column information. 
2. In the top toolbar, select View. 
3. Select Freeze. 
4. From the pop-out menu, select which rows or columns you would like to "freeze". Freezing rows will programmatically add table headers. 

As an alternative, you can also add pre-built tables. 

1. In the top toolbar, select Insert.
2. Select Tables.
3. In the sidebar menu, add a new table that matches your data needs. These tables already have headings added. 

The number of tables should be reasonable

It is best practice to have one table on each sheet in your document. This makes it easier for users to find and understand your data. 

The use of merged cells is not recommended 

Make sure that you don’t have any merged cells in your table. Merged cells make it more difficult to interpret information.

Avoid isolated cells 

Data cells that are seperated from the rest of your content can be difficult (or impossible!) for some users to find. Avoid adding content that is seperated in your sheets. 

Learn more about making accessible graphs, charts, and complex images.

Charts should have alternative text 

Like all important images, charts must have a text description. To add alt text: 

1. Select your chart or graphic that does not have a text description. 
2. Select the three vertical dots in the upper right corner. 
3. Select Alt Text. 
4. In the pop-up sidebar menu, add your text description. 

High color contrast should be used 

Learn more about color and color contrast 

To meet WCAG 2.0 AA requirements:

• Large text must have 3:1 contrast (text to background)

• Small text must meet 4.5:1 contrast (text to background) 

Fine print should be avoided 

Use easy to read sans serif fonts, such as Arial, Calibri, Verdana etc. Make sure your font size is at least 12 points.