Numbers

Category
Productivity

Description of App

 

Numbers is the most innovative spreadsheet app ever designed for a mobile device. Built from the ground up for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, it lets you make compelling spreadsheets in minutes — with tables, charts, photos, and graphics — using just your fingers. Choose from over 250 easy-to-use functions. Enter data and explore results with sliders, steppers, pop-ups, and intelligent keyboards. Numbers works with iCloud, so your spreadsheets stay up to date across all your devices — automatically. And the Retina display on the new iPad makes everything you do in Numbers even more brilliant.

Get started quickly

  • Choose from 16 Apple-designed templates including Budget, Travel Planner, and Running Log
  • View and edit Numbers ‘09, Microsoft Excel, and CSV files; easily import files from Mail, the web, a WebDAV service, or your Mac or PC using iTunes File Sharing
  • Use iCloud to start editing your spreadsheet right where you left off on another device
  • Drag Excel, or CSV files to icloud.com on your PC to have them automatically appear on your devices

Edit and format data

  • Organize your data with great-looking tables and charts
  • Use an intelligent keyboard designed to enter numbers, dates, text, durations, or formulas
  • Assemble formulas with over 250 functions, including built-in help
  • Create a form from any table with headers to quickly enter data on the go
  • Use sliders, steppers, and pop-ups to easily enter data and explore results
  • Quickly add photos and videos from the Photos app using the Media Browser
  • Automatically save your spreadsheets as you make changes
  • Use the undo feature to go back through your previous changes — even the next time you open your spreadsheet

Share your work

  • Share your work by exporting it as a Numbers ’09, Microsoft Excel, or PDF file and sending it via Mail
  • Use ‘Open in Another App’ to copy spreadsheets to apps such as Dropbox
  • Copy spreadsheets to a WebDAV service or directly to your Mac or PC using iTunes File Sharing
  • Print your spreadsheets on a wireless printer on your network using AirPrint
  • Adjust how a sheet prints across multiple pages in Print Preview; you can also use Auto Fit

 

Version

2.5.4

Free or Paid

Paid

Apple Watch Support

No

Device(s) App Was Tested On

iPhone

iOS Version

Unknown

Accessibility Comments

I found this app to be accessible and useable with exception of the following issues:
Note that these issues have been reported to Apple Accessibility and this list is a shortened exerpt from my original Email.

I would also suggest that anyone wanting to use this app should serious consider using a bluetooth keyboard.

Anyone interested in listening to the audio review I have done on my new podcast should visit my page on the following link:
http://www.nerdball.net/

--  It is possible to navigate across cells horizontally but not vertically.  Flicking left and right takes one through all the cells starting at row 1 column 1 and wrapping over to row 2 collumn 1 and so on, but there is no way to move up or down, just left and right, even with a bluetooth keyboard.  I believe a table navigation option needs to be added to the roter so that one can flick in any direction and move accordingly, or arrow in any direction if using with a keyboard.

--  Inserting shapes in to cells does not seem to be read by Voiceover, that is that the shape is not spoken by Voiceover if it is in a cell. 

--  There should be a better way of selecting a cell to insert in to, that is Voiceover should indicate which cell is selected so that one can then use the insert menu and know exactly where the inserted content is going.

--  The "replace" option is not present on the edit menu for the Voiceover roter for correcting spelling mistakes.  Unlike Pages where Voiceover does at least indicate where miss-spelled words are, this does not seem to be the case in Numbers.

--  When inserting dates in to a cell, a bluetooth keyboard is required to scroll the date fields back on to the screen if they scroll off to either side.

So far these are the only accessibility issues that I have found with this app, beyond this, a user should be able to use this app normally.  Testing however is ongoing.

VoiceOver Performance

VoiceOver reads all page elements.

Button Labeling

Most buttons are clearly labeled.

Usability

There are some minor accessibility issues with this app, but they are easy to deal with.

Other Comments

I recommend listening to my audio review of this app on my podcast at http://www.nerdball.net/ for more information.

App Store Link

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/numbers/id361304891?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Developer's Website

http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/numbers/

Recommendations

1 people have recommended this app

Options

Comments

By allseed on Monday, June 6, 2011 - 13:58

I cannot seem to find a way to *download* the podcasts to my mac for offline viewing. I'd like to transfer them to another device but all I can seem to do is stream them.

By blindgator on Saturday, December 8, 2012 - 11:11

Even though Apple claims that the latest update fixes issues with accessibility, it doesn't there is no way to scroll through a spreadsheet as a copy and paste menu keeps popping up when you try and read a spreadsheet. So I guess it will be another two years before Voiceover works with Numbers very frustrating and I am tired of hearing Apple's excuses that their own software doesn't work with Voiceover. The last excuse I got from Apple Accessibility was that Numbers hadn't been updated in awhile, so for the app update to specifically say it fixes accessibility issues and it doesn't makes me even question what the hell Apple Accessibility tested with this app. I have about had it with Apple Accessibility as the claim really pisses me off

By Daniel on Saturday, December 8, 2012 - 13:49

If you pay attention to the what's new, it specifically says, "Fixes issues related to accessibility settings", not 'accessibility'. Therefore, I highly doubt such a minor version increase would fix a bug like the one you described.

Thank you so much Daniel for pointing out that it says fixes accessibility settings, not sure what I was thinking that Apple might actually make an improvement to accessibility functionality their own product.

By blindgator on Sunday, December 16, 2012 - 05:02

This app is totally unusable with Voiceover. I heard back from Apple Accessibility and got the typical response that this program was designed before vo was implemented. Ok I could understand that if this wasn't a native Apple product, but since it is, how can we expect app developers to comply with accessibility standards when Apple's own apps don't. For all the screaming about ibooks and kindle which to me falls under the leisure category, it would be nice if something like numbers which I need to use for work and productivity might work with VO, and yeah, I got the typical Apple response, that they can't comment on when there might be an update. Can't believe I am even considering it, but I am actually thinking about going back to Windows on my next laptop and using a combo of Windows Eyes and something.

By Kelly Sapergia on Friday, June 7, 2013 - 18:58

I'm looking for a good spreadsheet app for my iPod Touch, and came across this page. I see they're up to version 1.7.2 which is supposed to have fixed some bugs. What I'm wondering is if the app's worth getting now based on the previous comments, or is there a better one out there? If there's one that would let you transfer or edit Excel spreadsheets (I use the Office 2003 version) that would be great as well.

Hi Kelly -- Unfortunately, the latest version of Numbers (1.72 (752))for IOS is still seriously hampered by the cut/copy/paste popup menu mentioned by a previous poster. The problem happens when the User tries to navigate the cells of a spreadsheet either by touching the screen or by using the arrow keys on a bluetooth keyboard. While navigating through the sheet, a cut/copy/paste popup appears and essentially takes the focus away. As far as I can tell there seems to be no rhyme or reason for when or why this popup happens. It seems to happen less if the sheet is in edit mode, and doesn't happen at all if VO is turned off. It also happens when attempting to navigate tables inside of a document in the IOS Pages app. It's quite a shame because many other features of these apps are nicely accessible to VO and I can't help but think we are just a few bug fixes away from having a truly accessible and robust ios productivity suite. I recently took another look at some of the more popular IOS productivity suites to see if any have managed to achieve a decent level of VO accessibility, but none of those I tested are ready for prime time, including Documents to Go, Google Drive, MS Office Web Apps, Office2 Plus on the iPhone 4S as well as QuickOffice and Office2 HD on the iPad. Each of those suites has some level of accessibility, but use with VO is buggy and hit-or-miss for the most part. I'm interested to hear if other folks are having more luck. HTH, Bryan

Updated October 22, 2013 version 2.0 What's New in Version 2.0 • Stunning new user interface designed to match iOS 7 • Brand-new Apple-designed templates • Animate data with new interactive column, bar, scatter, and bubble charts • All-new calculation engine for fast performance • Use AirDrop to send your spreadsheet to anyone nearby • Quickly and easily share a link to your work via Mail, Messages, Twitter, or Facebook • Anyone with a shared document link will always have access to the latest version of the spreadsheet and can edit it with you at iCloud.com using Numbers for iCloud beta • Export to CSV • New unified file format across Mac, iOS, and web makes spreadsheets work seamlessly everywhere • Turn on Coaching Tips for guided in-app help

By Kelly Sapergia on Monday, October 28, 2013 - 18:14

I'm also wondering how accessible the new version of Numbers is compared to previous versions? I've been considering purchasing it (I wish you could get it for free regardless of how new the device is), but would like more information about it before spending the $10 or so. A newer podcast might be nice as well.

I am using large spreadsheets, so far they were useless, both Mac and iPhone pretty much froze. I have updated Numbers on both devices, on the Mac is working better, and when I set row and column headers it is great to navigate. On an IOS device, however, Numbers seems to be much more responsive than on the Mac using the same spreadsheet. I'm at a point with the new versions that I am using Windows much less, though I still fire it up for major spreadsheet editing.

By Katie Frederick on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 - 01:57

I'm currently trying to use Numbers, but am still seeing one is only able to navigate horizontally within a spreadsheet on the iPhone. Also, I have *NOT* upgraded to Mavrix on the Mac yet, so, using Numbers on the Mac isn't really an option for me right now. I am disappointed in this app too, and am eagerly awaiting an Apple accessible option for spreadsheet work. Wish I had better news to share!

Hi Katie -- I am able to easily navigate vertically in Numbers version 2 on my iPhone 4S running IOS 7.0.3. If I'm navigating with swipe gestures on the screen, I simply set the rotor to "Vert Navigation" and then use a one finger swipe up or down to move cell-by-cell in a column. If I am using a bluetooth keyboard, I can either use VO+up/down arrows or turn on QuickNav and then just use the up/down arrows. What other issues are you experiencing with the current version of IOS Numbers?

By Matthew on Friday, January 31, 2014 - 17:43

I found that when on the table canvas area that a rotor option for rows is available but it doesn't appear to work. Has anyone else had success with using it to move verticaly?

By JoanneStark6 on Monday, August 4, 2014 - 13:34

I am currently running the latest version of numbers, and am curious how to edit spreadsheets, navigate by cell in tables, (if they've fixed that problem, assuming there was one on the Mac), and memorizing VO commands to try to be as productive with this app as possible. If anyone can assist with finding accessible materials online with regards to the latest version of numbers, I'd really appreciate it. feel free to contact me via email or twitter.

Hi Joanne,

For awhile, I was curious about Numbers' improved accessibility as well. I don't have much experience with the older version, but the newer version is absolutely amazing. There are unfortunately some limitations to relabeling labels and elements of graphs, but I may have a specific use case there. Every spreadsheet program has its quirks.

That said, I find Numbers way more intuitive than the latest versions of Excel. Moving through tables simply involves interacting with the table and flicking in the direction you want to go if you use the trackpad. The tables in Numbers are a definite size to start out--you can change this--but getting lost on a nearly infinite excel sheet was always frustrating for me. As far as inserting rows and columns, command option and the arrow keys will insert in whatever direction you want. Formulas can also be slightly less complicated, as VoiceOver treats a cell as an item so you no longer have to concern yourself with whether a number is a number or an argument of a cel. And in most native Numbers documents, column and row headers are spoken automatically as you navigate.

I have recently found Tim Sniffen's iBook, mastering the Macintosh with VoiceOver, to be very thorough in explaining most spreadsheet concepts in Numbers. You might want to try that.

Hope all this helps, and let me know if you have any more questions,
Chelsea

By Kelly on Friday, October 17, 2014 - 01:15

What's New in Version 2.5

• Support for iCloud Drive
• Support for third-party storage providers
• Updated file format makes it easier to send spreadsheets via services like Gmail and Dropbox
• Instantly switch between iPad, Mac and iPhone with Handoff
• Column and row labels in tables
• Instantly rearrange data in tables with new transpose feature
• More color options including new custom color mixer on iPad
• Use the color picker to sample and apply any color available in your spreadsheet
• Take photos and videos straight from the app
• Inter-table alignment guides
• Print floating comments
• Usability improvements for resizing and positioning charts
• Improved accessibility
• Improved bi-directional language support

By Bobcat on Friday, October 17, 2014 - 20:04

The latest version requires iOS eight. I was just looking at numbers to see if I could use it and after reading the comments thought I'd give it a try. But I have iOS 7 so I can't right now.

By Blurry_81 on Sunday, January 25, 2015 - 03:24

I am wondering if anyone knows how to change the names of tables in Numbers? Or even how to select the table so I can use a key command to run a script to change the name?

Thanks

By Michael Hansen on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 - 11:01

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

Numbers version 2.5.4 is now available, containing a bug fix for VoiceOver users:

What's New in Version 2.5.4

• Resolves an issue that prevented proper navigation and editing with VoiceOver

By Jeff on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 - 20:10

I'm trying to use Numbers version 3.0.5 on iOS 10.2 and I'm running into some problems.

First, how do I navigate columns? I don't see anything in the rotor as described above. If there are more rows than will display on the screen, how do I scroll to subsequent screens?

Also, how do I edit cell formulas? I have a hidden column in my spreadsheet and I can't seem to get it selected and I cannot find a way to unhide the column.

Is there any documentation which describes how to do these things and other spreadsheet functions in Numbers for iOS?

By Jerry Jonsson on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 - 04:06

I am using iPhone 8 with iOS 14.3. and Numbers version 10.3.9 (7353.9.8). I cannot read or edit formulas in Numbers. If I double tap twice on the cell with the formula then it goes to edit mode but the text "Formula Result," followed by the value in the cell does not disappear. I cannot find the formula. If I do the same on a numeric cell a correct edit mode is entered. If you have an earlier version and this works. Do not update. This bug is now corrected.