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Google Sheets Insert Menu With Screen Readers

by | May 8, 2024 | Google Sheets | 0 comments

Overview

The “Insert” menu in Google Sheets provides various options to insert different elements into your spreadsheet. Here’s an overview of what you can find in the “Insert” menu:

  1. Chart: This option allows you to insert various types of charts such as column, bar, line, pie, scatter, and more, based on the data in your spreadsheet.
  2. Image: You can insert images from your computer, Google Drive, or by providing a URL directly into your spreadsheet.
  3. Drawing: This option lets you create or insert drawings directly into your spreadsheet. You can draw shapes, lines, arrows, and add text boxes.
  4. Checkbox: You can insert checkboxes into your spreadsheet, which are useful for creating interactive checklists or forms.
  5. Link: This option allows you to insert links to other web pages or to specific cells within your spreadsheet.
  6. Comment: You can insert comments into specific cells to provide additional context or information.
  7. Function: This submenu provides quick access to commonly used functions such as SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN, and more.
  8. Note: You can insert cell notes, which are similar to comments but are hidden until you hover over the cell.
  9. Sheet: You can insert new sheets into your spreadsheet or duplicate existing sheets.
  10. Chart editor: This option opens the chart editor sidebar where you can customize the appearance and data of your charts.
  11. Script: If you’re familiar with Google Apps Script, you can insert custom scripts to automate tasks or add custom functionality to your spreadsheet.

These options in the “Insert” menu provide a range of tools for enhancing and customizing your Google Sheets documents to better suit your needs.

Navigation In Insert Menu Using Screen Reader

Using a screen reader in Google Sheets, you can access and use the functions in the Insert menu by following these general steps.

  1. Open Google Sheets:
    • Launch your preferred web browser (e.g., Google Chrome).
    • Go to the Google Sheets website (sheets.google.com).
    • Sign in to your Google account if you haven’t already.
  2. Navigate to the Insert Menu:
    • Once you’re in a Google Sheet, navigate to the Insert menu at the top-left corner of the screen. You can usually access menus by pressing the Alt key (Windows) or Control key (Mac) along with the corresponding underlined letter. For example, Alt + I for the Insert menu.
  3. Use Arrow Keys or Hotkeys:
    • Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate through the Insert menu options. Your screen reader should read aloud the menu options as you navigate.
  4. Select an Option:
    • When you reach the desired Insert menu option, press the Enter key or the hotkey associated with that option. For example, to insert a chart, you might navigate to “Chart” and press Enter.

Below are detailed steps for each option:

  1. Chart:
    • Select the “Chart” option and press Enter.
    • Follow the prompts to choose the type of chart you want to insert (e.g., column, bar, line, pie, scatter).
    • Select the data range for the chart using your screen reader’s navigation keys.
  2. Image:
    • Choose the “Image” option and press Enter.
    • Follow the prompts to insert an image from your computer, Google Drive, or by providing a URL.
    • Use your screen reader to navigate and select the desired image file.
  3. Drawing:
    • Select the “Drawing” option and press Enter.
    • Choose whether to create a new drawing or insert an existing one.
    • Use the drawing tools to create shapes, lines, arrows, and text boxes as needed.
  4. Checkbox:
    • Choose the “Checkbox” option and press Enter.
    • Place the checkbox in the desired cell using your screen reader’s navigation keys.
  5. Link:
    • Select the “Link” option and press Enter.
    • Follow the prompts to insert a link to a web page or specific cells within your spreadsheet.
  6. Comment:
    • Choose the “Comment” option and press Enter.
    • Navigate to the cell where you want to insert the comment.
    • Type your comment using your screen reader’s input methods.
  7. Function:
    • Select the “Function” submenu and choose the desired function (e.g., SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN) by pressing Enter.
    • Follow the prompts to specify the function parameters.
  8. Note:
    • Navigate to the cell where you want to insert the note.
    • Access the “Insert” menu.
    • Choose the “Note” option and press Enter.
    • Type your note using your screen reader’s input methods.
  9. Sheet:
    • Choose the “Sheet” option and press Enter.
    • Specify whether to insert a new sheet or duplicate an existing one.
  10. Chart Editor:
    • Choose the “Chart Editor” option and press Enter.
    • Use your screen reader’s navigation keys to customize the appearance and data of your charts in the sidebar that opens.
  11. Script:
    • Select the “Script” option and press Enter.
    • Follow the prompts to insert a custom script or choose from existing ones if available.

Some additional tips:

  • Navigate Within Submenus: Some options in the Insert menu may have submenus, such as “Chart” or “Image.” If you encounter submenus, you can navigate into them by pressing the right arrow key or using the corresponding hotkey.
  • Navigate Back: To navigate back to the main Insert menu or to exit submenus, use the left arrow key or the appropriate screen reader command.
  • Close the Insert Menu: After you’ve completed your desired action in the Insert menu, you can usually press the Escape key or a screen reader command to close the Insert menu.