Lesson 21: Working with Tables
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Introduction
A table is a grid of cells arranged in rows and columns. Tables can be customized and are useful for various tasks such as presenting text information and numerical data.
In this lesson, you will learn how to convert text to a table, apply table styles, format tables, and create blank tables.
Inserting and modifying tables
In Word, tables are useful for organizing and presenting data. You can create a blank table, convert text to a table, and apply a variety of styles and formats to existing tables.
Optional: You can download this example for extra practice.
To insert a blank table:
To convert existing text to a table:
To add a row above an existing row:
You can also add rows below the insertion point. Follow the same steps, but select Insert Rows Below from the menu.
To add a column:
To delete a row or column:
To apply a table style:
To change table style options:
Once you’ve chosen a table style, you can turn various options on or off to change the appearance of the table. There are six options: Header Row, Total Row, Banded Rows, First Column, Last Column, and Banded Columns.
Depending on which table style you’re using, certain table style options may have a somewhat different effect. You may need to experiment to get the exact look you want.
To add borders to a table:
Modifying a table using the Layout tab
When you select a table in Word 2010, Design and Layout tabs appear under Table Tools on the Ribbon. Using commands on the Layout tab, you can make a variety of modifications to the table.
Change Text Direction
Making the text vertical can add style to your table and saves space, allowing you to fit more columns in your table.
Align Cell Text
By changing the alignment of a cell, you can control exactly where the text is located. In the example below, the cell text is aligned to the bottom-right.
Distribute Rows/Columns
To keep your table looking neat and organized, you may want to distribute the rows or columns equally, which makes them all the same size. You can distribute the rows or columns for the entire table or just a portion of it.
Change Cell Size
Merge and Split Cells
Some tables require a layout that doesn’t conform to the standard grid. In these cases, you may need to merge or split cells.
Add Rows and Columns
You can insert or delete rows and columns in your table. This can be especially useful if you need to add something to the middle of your table.
Challenge!
Open an existing Word document. If you want, you can use this example.
Convert some text into a table. If you are using the example, convert the text below By Client.
Apply a table style, and experiment with the table style options. If you are using the example, see if you can make the table match the By Salesperson table above it.
Delete a row from the table.
Insert a blank table with five rows and four columns.
Add borders to the blank table.
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