There are a fair number of folks out there who consider it very tricky and difficult to create a custom table. I suppose if you want to get all fancy-schmancy with it, it will quickly become a lot trickier than it needs to be. Me? I am all about doing things as quickly and as easily as I possibly can. I am the queen of saving time and keystrokes and most importantly, my sanity!
There are several methods to import a table into your Word document. You can create them from scratch by either drawing, inserting a graphic grid, using the insert function, adding a new Microsoft Excel spreadsheet table, inserting an existing Excel Spreadsheet table, using Quick Tables, or converting the existing text into a table.
Regardless of which option you select, your first step will be to open your Word document, find where you would like to insert your table and click your cursor on that spot.
So let’s start with one of the simplest methods of creating a Word table, shall we?
Follow the steps below to learn how:
- Go to the Insert tab on your Ribbon and click Table.
- When the Insert Table dialog box opens, it will show a basic grid pattern and menu options below.
- With your cursor, select the first grid cell and slide it down to select the number of columns and rows you would like ( i.e., six columns and four rows).
- Your table will be automatically created in your document.
- Once there is a table in your document, you will notice two new tabs on your Ribbon: Table Design and Layout. You will use these tabs to modify and design your newly created table.
You can also create a Table using the Insert Function.
Using the insert function is as simple as selecting your table layout from the grid.
Follow the steps below to learn how:
- Go to Insert | Table.
- Rather than dragging your cursor to select the grid, select Insert Table from the menu just below.
- A dialog box will appear and you can enter the number of rows and columns you would like in your table under Table Size. In AutoFit Behavior, select Auto. Feel free to experiment with other options until you decide which is best for you. AutoFit to Contents will give you a narrow column that will change in size as you enter data. AutoFit to Window will expand your table to fit the size of your document.
- If you would like your future tables to remain this size, check the Remember dimensions for new tables option.
- Click OK to finish and create your table.
I will cover different methods in upcoming posts.
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