LaTeX Cookbook

Coloring a table

Sometimes we see "zebra striped" tables; tables with alternating row colors. This design is intended to support horizontal reading without the need for separating lines.

While some people like the design, some say it may be harder to read. For example, while looking at a table, the eye may scan at first one color, and then need to jump back, scanning the rows with the other color. So, when we decide to go for this design, we should consider doing the following:

• Make the color variation small to prevent the tendency of the eye to jump across even or odd rows. The information should be visually stronger than the distinction of those two layers.
• Keep a good contrast between color and text. For example, black text with a dark gray background ...