Getting Started with Numbers on Mac: Lesson 2 - Table Formatting and Headers for Columns and Rows

In this episode of the AppleVis Podcast, Gaurav returns with the second lesson in his series on mastering spreadsheets using Apple’s free app,Numbersfor Mac. This session dives into working with row and column headers and navigating the formatter pane to make your data more accessible and structured. Gaurav shares practical tips to boost your spreadsheet skills and improve your workflow. Can’t wait for the next lesson on autofill!

Key Topics Covered:

Row and Column Headers

• Why headers matter for navigation and clarity
• How to set headers to make navigating with arrow keys easier
• Example: Entering “Food” in the row and “February” in the column

Formatter Pane Navigation

• Open the formatter with VO + U
• Interact with it using VO + Shift + Down Arrow
• Browse table styles, header/footer settings, and more

Table Editing & Customization

• Add or remove rows and columns
• Change font size and table outline
• Customize grid line visibility

Data Entry Tips

• Edit cell content with Option + Enter
• Finish editing with Command + Enter
• Try entering sample data like monthly expenses for practice

📝 Takeaways:

• Setting headers is key for organized, navigable tables
• The formatter pane unlocks a range of powerful customization tools
• Get ready to explore autofill features in the next episode!

Transcript

Disclaimer: This transcript was generated by AI Note Taker – VoicePen, an AI-powered transcription app. It is not edited or formatted, and it may not accurately capture the speakers’ names, voices, or content.

Gaurav: Hello, everyone, and welcome to the second lesson in this numbers tutorial series. I realized last lesson I did not get into much detail about the row and column headers, and we also did not discuss the formatter pane on the right side. So that's what we're going to discuss today. I have my same spreadsheet open, which we were working on earlier. And I'm going to press VO plus U for umbrella to open the window spots menu. I'm going to press down arrow.

VoiceOver: Scroll area.

Gaurav: This is the formatter pane on the right side of the table. I'm going to hit enter. I'm going to press VO shift down to interact.

VoiceOver: Formatter. Empty scroll area. Empty scroll area.

Gaurav: I'm going to enter here.

VoiceOver: Empty scroll area. Empty formatter. Sheet navigator. Sheet one. Formatter. Empty scroll area. Jump to selection. You are in table formatter. Scroll area.

Gaurav: Okay. Seems to be some error. I'm just going to press V-O plus J for jump to until I get into the formatter.

VoiceOver: In column header cell. In formatter.

Gaurav: In formatter. I'm going to press V-O shift down arrow to interact.

VoiceOver:…