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What are the New Accessibility Settings for Tables in SharePoint?

Microsoft recently updated SharePoint (January 2024), giving users the option to add alternative text to tables. In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a table in SharePoint, while highlighting the new accessibility settings. Let’s make a table!

We’ve also created a video to help guide you through the steps:

What are the New Accessibility Settings for Tables in SharePoint?

The new accessibility settings for tables in SharePoint allow users to add alternative text and provide an option to toggle header and first column formatting. These updates rolled out in January 2024. For more details, please read below.

🔵 Alternative Text

Add text to describe the table. This text will appear while hovering over any of the cells in the table, and gives users a better understanding of what the table is for.

Alternative text, often referred to as “alt text” or “alt tags,” serves a crucial purpose in web accessibility. The main purpose of alternative text is to provide a textual description of an image for individuals who may not be able to see it. This includes people with visual impairments who use screen readers or other assistive technologies to access web content.

When a website includes images without alternative text, users relying on screen readers miss out on important information conveyed through those images. Alt text provides a concise and accurate description of the image content, enabling users with visual disabilities to understand and engage with the content of a webpage.

🔵 Bold Table Header and First Column

There are now checkboxes that allow you to quickly bold text in the header row and first column. However, if you’ve already applied a table style to the header row, you won’t need to reapply the header bolding.

How to Make a Table in SharePoint

To make a table in SharePoint, you’ll need to use a Text webpart, as tables still don’t have their own webpart. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of how to create a table in SharePoint, while highlighting the new accessibility settings.

Skip to the new stuff!

  • Start by hovering just below the title section, and clicking the plus icon when it appears.
Hover under the title section and click the circular plus icon when it appears.
  • Next, select the “Text” webpart.
Select the Text web part, which looks like two A's.
  • You can now insert a table using the “Insert table” icon in the Text webpart’s menu bar.
A narrow menu bar appears above the text web part. Here, you must click the "Insert table" icon, which looks like a table with a plus on it.

info Note: Tables default to 3×3 and cell merging is currently unsupported (Jan 2024). If you need to merge cells, we suggest you create a table in Microsoft Word and paste it into the SharePoint Text webpart.

  • Click the Table styles” icon to modify the table and use the new accessibility settings. [1]
  • Now select a table style. [2]
Now click the Table Styles icon, which looks like a table with a gear or cog icon on it. Then, you can select from 10 different table styles.

If you select a “Theme” style, the colors will be inherited from your current theme. To modify your theme, follow these quick steps:

  • First, click the cog icon in the top right of the screen.
  • Then select “Change the look” in the dropdown menu.
The cog icon is in the top right corner of the screen, located near to your username.
  • Now select “Theme” and choose a new color theme.
Select "Theme."

If you want to change the table’s alignment, you’ll need to reduce the width first. The table alignment positions the whole table within the Text webpart and does not affect the cells’ text alignment.

  • To resize the table, click and drag the table’s right border.
  • You can drag the borders when the resize icon appears.
Hover over the left or right border of the table and a resizer icon will appear. The resizer has a black vertical line in the middle and two black arrows pointing away from eachother.
  • Now click the Table styles” icon again and select a new alignment.
Select from a left, central, or right alignment.
  • To align the text, select a cell, or click and drag to select multiple cells. [1]
  • Then select an alignment in the menu bar above the Text webpart. [2]
Click the cell which contains the text you want to realign. Then, in the menu bar above the text web part, select from left, central, right, or justified.
  • To insert new rows and columns, select a cell.
  • Then, in Table styles” select one of the following icons:
Insert a new column to the left of the selected cell.
Insert a new column to the right of the selected cell.
Insert a new row above the selected cell.
Insert a new row below the selected cell.
This image demonstrates where the inserted rows or columns will appear. The insert column left icon points to the left border of the selected cell. The insert column right icon points to the right border of the selected cell. The insert row above icon points to the border above the selected cell. And the insert row below icon points to the below the selected cell.

New Accessibility Feature

  • Once you’ve inserted a table, click the Table styles” icon. [1]
  • In the dropdown menu, head to “Accessibility settings” and describe the table in the textbox. [2]
  • The text description will appear above the table while hovering over it.
Users should click the table styles icon, which is a table with a gear or cog icon on it. Then, in the dropdown menu, users can enter a description for the table under "Accessibility settings." The image demonstrates the description appearing above the table.

Bolding the Header Row and First Column

Here’s what happens when you check or uncheck the boxes next to “Header row” and “First column.”

Animated GIF showing the text in the header row and the first column becoming bold when their respective checkboxes are selected.

Conclusion

The recent update to Microsoft SharePoint in January 2024 introduces valuable accessibility settings for tables. The addition of alternative text allows users to provide descriptive information about the table, enhancing the experience for individuals with visual impairments who rely on screen readers.

Furthermore, the update introduces the ability to bold text in the header row and first column with convenient checkboxes. This feature streamlines the process of emphasizing key information in tables without the need for extensive formatting adjustments.

As we’ve outlined in this guide, creating tables in SharePoint involves using the Text webpart and taking advantage of the new accessibility settings. Users can customize table styles, adjust alignments, and insert rows or columns with ease. The emphasis on accessibility settings, including the option to add alternative text, reflects Microsoft’s commitment to making their products more inclusive and user-friendly.

Thanks for reading!

How to Use the New Connectors in Microsoft Whiteboard

Microsoft recently updated Whiteboard to include “Connectors,” or Line Anchors. These lines are designed to connect objects, allowing users to align them accurately. The connectors are not permanent lines, and are only visible while dragging objects on the whiteboard, making it much easier to align and gauge the distance between objects.

We’ve also created a video to help guide you through the steps:

Which objects do Connectors Work With in Microsoft Whiteboard?

As of January 2024, Connectors work with all objects except for inking. Inking means anything drawn onto the whiteboard using the Ink tool. Even after converting the ink drawing to a shape, the object will not connect with any other objects, including other ink drawings.

How do the Connectors Work in Whiteboard?

The Connectors in Microsoft Whiteboard appear while dragging an object or objects in proximity to other objects. The line connectors will automatically appear when the object aligns with the nearest object, and with any other objects in the same orientation.

Also, it’s important to note that all objects are given a rectangular boarder, which is used to form the connectors. That means you are only connecting rectangular objects together, even when aligning circles or other nonrectilinear shapes.

How to Connect Two Objects in Whiteboard

info Tip: To preserve the width-to-height ratio when resizing an object, hold down the Shift key while dragging from the corner.

External border connections:

Intersecting border connections:

Internal border connections:

How to Connect Multiple Objects in Whiteboard

When connecting multiple objects, the selected objects act as a single object. That means you can align other objects to the center of your selected objects.

How to Gauge the Distance Between Objects in Whiteboard

While any three objects are in a row, you will see arrows indicating when the objects are positioned equidistantly. This is perfect for aligning multiple rows or columns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Microsoft’s recent update to Whiteboard introduces a valuable feature known as “Connectors” or Line Anchors, enhancing the precision and ease of aligning objects on the whiteboard.

This update facilitates the connection of various objects, providing users with the ability to gauge distances and align shapes accurately. However, it’s essential to note that Connectors currently work with all objects except for inking.

The connectors are dynamic, appearing only when dragging objects and disappearing once the objects are in place. The feature’s versatility allows for external, intersecting, and internal border connections, providing flexibility in object alignment. Moreover, the ability to connect multiple objects as a single unit streamlines the alignment process.

Overall, Microsoft Whiteboard’s Connectors significantly contribute to creating effective flowcharts and diagrams by allowing lines to anchor between different shapes and move along with connected objects.

How To Add Cameo to ALL SLIDES of a PowerPoint Presentation

A recent update to Microsoft PowerPoint allows users to add their video feed (Cameo) to all slides in the presentation. This allows you to customize a Cameo feed across all slides without needing to adjust each one. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of adding a Cameo to all slides in your PowerPoint presentation.

We’ve also created a video to help guide you through the steps:

Cameo Availability in PowerPoint

As of January 2024, Cameo is only available in the Desktop version of Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows and Mac. This feature is currently unavailable in the online version.

How to add a Cameo to All Slides of a PowerPoint Presentation

Here are the simple steps you need to take in order to add a Cameo or video feed to your PowerPoint presentations:

  • First, open the desktop version of PowerPoint.
  • In PowerPoint, head to the top menu and select “Insert.” [1]
  • Then select “Cameo.” [2]

Clicking the small arrow below “Cameo” will allow you to add a Cameo to “This slide” or “All slides.” If you want to customize the Cameo, we suggest adding to “This slide” to begin with and applying the customization to all slides later.

  • You can click and drag the Cameo to wherever you want. [1]
    • To resize the Cameo, click and drag the circles at the edges or corners.
  • To customize the Cameo, go to “Camera Format.” [2]
    • Here, you can change the shape, border, and add 3D effects such as shadows.
  • When you’re happy with the design, click “Apply to All Slides.”

Now, when you come to present your slideshow in Teams, you can focus on the content while continuing to view your video feed in the Cameo.

  • To focus on the content, goo to “View” in the Teams meeting.
  • Then select “Focus on content.”

Why Add Cameo to a PowerPoint Presentation?

The Cameo feature in PowerPoint, which allows you to insert a live camera feed directly into your slides, can offer several benefits for presentations:

▶️ Engagement: Incorporating a live camera feed can make your presentation more engaging and dynamic. It adds a personal touch by allowing the audience to see the presenter in real-time, fostering a stronger connection.

▶️ Interaction: Live camera feeds enable presenters to interact with the audience more directly. This is particularly valuable in virtual or remote presentations, where the live feed can simulate face-to-face interaction.

▶️ Demonstrations: For presentations that involve demonstrations, tutorials, or live events, the Cameo feature allows you to showcase activities, products, or processes in real time.

▶️ Feedback and Q&A: The live camera feed can be used to capture immediate reactions or responses from the audience. It’s especially useful for handling live Q&A sessions or soliciting feedback during the presentation.

▶️ Personalization: Adding a live camera feed can personalize your presentation, helping you connect with your audience on a more human level. It’s particularly effective for virtual meetings where participants might be physically distant.

▶️ Presenter Visibility: For training sessions, educational presentations, or team meetings, having the presenter’s face on screen can enhance visibility and create a more personable atmosphere.

▶️ Expressiveness: The live camera feed allows presenters to convey emotions, expressions, and body language, which can enhance the overall communication and understanding of the message.

▶️ Storytelling: If your presentation involves storytelling or narrative elements, having a live camera feed can add authenticity and bring the story to life, making it more compelling for the audience.

▶️ Branding and Identity: For corporate presentations, the live camera feed can contribute to branding efforts by showcasing the presenter as a representative of the organization.

Conclusion

Microsoft has introduced a new feature to simplify the insertion and formatting of a cameo (camera feed) on every slide in a PowerPoint presentation.

Users can now incorporate a cameo placeholder into their slide layouts or templates, ensuring uniformity across the entire slideshow.

This functionality is accessible in the “Camera Format” tab, which becomes available once you’ve inserted a Cameo (Insert > Cameo).

Currently, this feature is supported in PowerPoint for Windows and PowerPoint for Mac.

Thanks for reading!

NEW OneDrive Update Lets You View Files by People & Meetings

Microsoft OneDrive now allows users to view files from specific “People” or “Meetings.” These new features are accessible on the left menu, which we’ll explore in more detail in this guide.

View Files on OneDrive by People

If you want to display files that are being shared with certain people, you can do that by clicking “People” in the left menu.

Click "People" on the left to access files being shared with specific people.

Here, you can:

  • Click the names of your colleagues to view the files you’ve shared with them. [1]
  • Pin people so they remain at the top of the list. [2]
  • Click and view the shared files for each person (limited by your screen’s width). [3]
  • Specify who you want to search for in the top right. [4]

Tip: to view more files without clicking a specific person, try zooming out in your browser.

Click specific users, click the pin icon to pin users to the top, click the shared files to view them, and enter names of specific people to filter by name.

View Files on OneDrive by Meetings

If you need to look at files shared during meetings, you may not want to dig around in the shared files folder to find them. That’s where the new Meetings filter comes in handy.

To access files from your Teams Meetings, click “Meetings” in the left menu.

info Note: Only scheduled meetings will appear in the meetings list.

Click "Meetings" in the left menu to view files shared during meetings.

Here, you can:

  • Click any of the meetings to view the documents that were shared in that meeting.
  • Click and view the documents shared for each meeting.
  • Filter the meetings by name; in this example the meeting names are “Debrief” and “Catchup.”

Tip: to view more files without clicking a specific meeting, try zooming out in your browser.

Click the meeting to view shared files, click the shared files to view them, and enter the name of a meeting to filter by meeting name.

Once you’ve clicked into a meeting to view the shared documents, you can then filter the results further by typing the names of specific files or people.

Once you've clicked a meeting, you can further filter the results by entering the name of a person or file.

Conclusion

OneDrive has introduced two new features to enhance file organization and retrieval. The People view allows users to browse files based on collaborators, displaying shared files organized by individuals within and outside the organization.

Users can access this view from the left navigation pane, prioritizing frequent or recent collaborators. The search functionality enables quick identification of specific collaborators, and users can pin frequently collaborated individuals to the top for easy access, providing thumbnails of shared files.

The view also allows a detailed look at file activity, including comments, edits, and views.

Additionally, the Meetings view simplifies file retrieval related to meetings. It consolidates all content shared in past and upcoming meetings, streamlining the process of finding pre-reading materials and meeting recordings.

Clicking on a specific meeting displays associated files and recordings, with a search bar for quick identification. The Meetings view is particularly beneficial for recurring meetings, offering a comprehensive display of files and recordings associated with the entire meeting series.

These features enhance efficiency and organization, saving users valuable time in locating and managing collaborative files and meeting-related content in OneDrive for Web.

Thanks for reading!

How to FIX OneNote Connection error: 0xE0000070 b6d09

In this OneNote training video, we’ll show you what to do if you’re getting a connection error in your notebooks. The error may look like the following:

OneNote can't connect to the server. Sync will resume once we connect. You don't need to take any action. (Error code: 0xE000006B b6009)

With most connection errors, the problem can usually be resolved by fixing your internet connection, restarting OneNote, or rebooting your device. But if those methods fail, there are some other solutions such as temporarily disabling your firewall and antivirus to check if OneNote is being blocked.

Resources for OneNote Connection error: 0xE0000070 b6d09

Solutions:

  1. Check Firewall and Antivirus
  2. Clear OneNote cache
  3. Copy sections to new Notebook
  4. Restore backups
  5. Reboot
  6. Repair or reinstall OneNote
  7. Make sure OneDrive is online
  8. Contact Microsoft Support: https://support.microsoft.com/

OneNote cache location (Windows):

%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneNote\16.0\cache

OneNote cache location (Mac):

~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.OneNote.mac/Data/Library/Caches/com.microsoft.OneNote

How to Stop OneDrive Downloading Files from the Cloud

If you’re connecting a device to your OneDrive account for the first time, you may find that you need to download files that are currently saved on the cloud. If you don’t want to download those files, you’ll need to unselect the folders you’re downloading from. But there are other options available, which we’ll explore in this OneDrive training video.

Resources

Unselect folders

1) Open OneDrive from the taskbar.
2) Click the cog icon (top right).
3) Select “Settings.”
4) Go to “Account.”
5) Click “Choose folders.”
6) Unselect the folders you don’t want to sync with.
7) Then hit “OK.”

Limit downloads

1) Open OneDrive from the taskbar.
2) Click the cog icon (top right).
3) Select “Settings.”
4) Go to “Sync and backup.”
5) Click on “Advanced settings.”
6) Toggle on “Limit download rate.”
7) Click the down arrow next to the toggle and set a lower limit if required.

Pause syncing while you work

1) Open OneDrive from the taskbar.
2) Click the cog icon (top right).
3) Click “Pause syncing.”
4) Select a duration that covers your working hours to avoid interference.

Free up space

1) Open File Explorer.
2) Right-click your OneDrive folder.
3) Select “Free up space.”

In this video, we’ll also show you how to install and use the Group Policy Editor to prevent OneDrive from storing files from the cloud.

Code to install gpedit.msc

@echo off
pushd "%~dp0"
dir /b %SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientExtensions-Package~3*.mum >List.txt
dir /b %SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientTools-Package~3*.mum >>List.txt
for /f %%i in ('findstr /i . List.txt 2^>nul') do dism /online /norestart /add-package:"%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\%%i"
pause

From: https://businesstechplanet.com/tools/gpedit.txt

Important: OneDrive settings in gpedit.msc are designed to work with the following Operating Systems: Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1