Edit table in word

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To set or change table options in Word or Outlook, right-click a table and choose Table Properties.

Note: If you want to set properties for a particular row, column, or cell, click in that row, column, or cell before making changes in the Table Properties dialog box.

In this article

  • Table properties

  • Row properties

  • Column properties

  • Cell properties

  • Alt text

Table properties

Table tab in the Table Properties dialog box

Click the Table tab to apply settings to your entire table:

  • Under Size, set the table’s overall width by selecting Preferred width and choosing a size. In the Measure in box, choose whether you want to measure the width in inches or a percentage of the page.

  • Under Alignment, choose whether you want to align your table to the left, center, or right of page. If you select Left, you can select an indentation distance in the Indent from Left box.

  • Under Text wrapping, select Around if you want nearby text on your page to wrap around your table; you can make text wrapping more precise by clicking Positioning, and then choosing options in the Table Positioning dialog box. If you don’t want text wrapping, select None.

  • Click Borders and Shading to change the border style, line color, and line width of your table.

  • Click Options to set more table properties, including top and bottom cell margins, cell spacing, and automatic resizing of cell contents.

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Row properties

Row tab in the Table Properties dialog box

First, click in the row or select the rows you want to change, right-click, choose Table Properties, and then click the Row tab.

  • Under Size, set the row’s height by selecting Preferred height and choosing a size; you can further refine the height by selecting an option in the Row height is box.

  • Under Options, select options for breaking rows across pages or creating header rows.

  • To display the currently selected row at the top of the tab and navigate between rows without leaving the Table Properties dialog box, click Previous Row or Next Row.

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Column properties

Column tab in the Table Properties dialog box

First, click in the column or select the columns you want to change, right-click, choose Table Properties, and then click the Column tab.

  • Under Size, set the column’s width by selecting Preferred width and choosing a size. In the Measure in box, choose whether you want to measure the width in inches or a percentage.

  • To display the currently selected column or columns at the top of the tab and navigate between columns without leaving the Table Properties dialog box, click Previous Column or Next Column.

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Cell properties

Cell tab in the Table Properties dialog box

First, click in the cell that you want to change, right-click, choose Table Properties, and then click the Cell tab.

  • Under Size, set the cell’s width by selecting Preferred width and choosing a size. In the Measure in box, choose whether you want to measure the width in inches or a percentage.

  • Under Vertical alignment, choose an alignment option for the cell contents—Top (the default alignment), Center, or Bottom.

  • Click Options to set more cell properties, including top and bottom cell margins and text wrapping and fit options.

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Alt text

Alt Text tab in the Table Properties dialog box

You can create alternative text (alt text) for your table to help people with screen readers understand the content of the table.

  • In the Description box, enter an explanation of the table.

  • In the Title box, enter a brief summary of the table.

    Note:  Unless you have a complex table, you will usually want to enter text in just the Description box. When you have complex content to describe, filling in the Title field is useful so that reading the full description is not necessary unless desired.

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Need more help?

Select the row, column, or table that you want to modify. If you select the entire table, you can adjust the width or height of rows and columns for the entire table. Click the Layout tab under the Table Tools tab. Click the Width text box and type a value (or click the up or down arrow to choose a value).

Contents

  • 1 How do I edit an existing table in Word?
  • 2 Why can’t I edit my table in Word?
  • 3 How do I edit a table?
  • 4 What is the easiest way to edit a table in Word?
  • 5 How do I create and edit a table?
  • 6 How do I edit a table in Word 2016?
  • 7 How do I add to an existing table of contents in Word?
  • 8 How do you edit all tables in Word?
  • 9 How do I remove table lines in Word?
  • 10 How we creating a table and entering and editing text in a table?
  • 11 Why can’t I update Table of Contents in Word?
  • 12 How do I manually update a Table of Contents in Word?
  • 13 How do you reset the Table of Contents in Word?
  • 14 How do you change the table properties of all tables in Word?
  • 15 How do you apply the table style of a table to another?
  • 16 How do you copy a table style?
  • 17 How do you delete a table in Word without deleting the text?
  • 18 How do I create a table in text editor?
  • 19 How do you enter and edit data in a cell of a table?

How do I edit an existing table in Word?

Use Table Styles to format an entire table

  1. Click in the table that you want to format.
  2. Under Table Tools, click the Design tab.
  3. In the Table Styles group, rest the pointer over each table style until you find a style that you want to use.
  4. Click the style to apply it to the table.

Why can’t I edit my table in Word?

Method 1: Clear the Specified Row Height
To begin with, click the plus sign on the upper-left corner of the table to select the whole table. Then right click and choose “Table Properties”. In “Table Properties” dialog box, clear the “Specify height” box. And click “OK” to save the change.

Editing a table

  1. Double-click within the text block containing the table and select the rows or columns of the table you want to format. The Table ribbon is displayed.
  2. Click Edit Table from the Table group and select the appropriate menu option as follows: Insert Row. Adds a new row to the table. Insert Column.

What is the easiest way to edit a table in Word?

To adjust table row and column size in Word:

  1. Click anywhere in the table.
  2. In “Table Tools” click the [Layout] tab > locate the “Cell Size” group and choose from of the following options: To fit the columns to the text (or page margins if cells are empty), click [AutoFit] > select “AutoFit Contents.”

How do I create and edit a table?

To create a new table:

  1. Move the cursor to the location in the document where you want to create the table.
  2. Click the Table button in the Elements tool, or choose Table from the Insert menu.The Table dialog displays.
  3. Enter the initial number of rows and columns for the new table, and specify the border width, etc.

How do I edit a table in Word 2016?

To apply a table style:

  1. Click anywhere in your table to select it, then click the Design tab on the far right of the Ribbon.
  2. Locate the Table Styles group, then click the More drop-down arrow to see the full list of styles.
  3. Select the table style you want.
  4. The table style will appear.

How do I add to an existing table of contents in Word?

Put your cursor where you want to add the table of contents. Go to References > Table of Contents. and choose an automatic style. If you make changes to your document that affect the table of contents, update the table of contents by right-clicking the table of contents and choosing Update Field.

How do you edit all tables in Word?

We can use VBA to change style of all tables.

  1. Press Alt+F11 to open the VBA window in Word;
  2. Click Module in Insert tab, and insert the VBA code into Module window; VBA code: change style of all tables. Sub ApplyTableStyle()
  3. Press F5 key to run this code, and all tables have been changed to your specified style.

How do I remove table lines in Word?

Remove all borders

  1. Click in any cell to show the table move handle. in the upper left corner of the table.
  2. Click the table move handle. to select the table and show the Table Design tab.
  3. On the Table Design tab, click the arrow next to Borders and then click No Border . Tip: Be sure to click Borders not Border Styles.

How we creating a table and entering and editing text in a table?

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Position the cursor. Position your cursor in the editor where you want the table to display.
  2. Click Table icon.
  3. Set the number of Rows, Columns and any other table properties needed.
  4. View and enter text in the table.
  5. Paste content in a table.
  6. Edit a table.

Why can’t I update Table of Contents in Word?

Typically, the reason is that you’ve forgotten to update the TOC/LOT/LOF – these lists don’t update automatically.Go to the far left of that tab, and click the Update Table button in the Table of Contents group. If asked, select the option to Update entire table and click OK.

How do I manually update a Table of Contents in Word?

Update a table of contents

  1. Go to References > Update Table.
  2. Select one of the following: Update page numbers only This only updates the pages that the headings are on, and ignores any changes to the heading text.
  3. Select OK.

How do you reset the Table of Contents in Word?

This feature works the same in all modern versions of Microsoft Word: 2010, 2013, and 2016.

  1. Click on the References tab and from the Table of Contents group, click Table of Contents .
  2. Select Remove Table of Contents from the drop-down menu by clicking on it.

How do you change the table properties of all tables in Word?

To set or change table options in Word or Outlook, right-click a table and choose Table Properties. Note: If you want to set properties for a particular row, column, or cell, click in that row, column, or cell before making changes in the Table Properties dialog box.

How do you apply the table style of a table to another?

Apply a table style to an existing table

  1. Select any cell in the table.
  2. Select Design.
  3. In the Table Styles gallery, select the table style you want to apply. Note: To remove a table style, select Design. In the Table Styles gallery, select More, and then select Clear or Clear Table.

How do you copy a table style?

Save/create table style from existing table in Word

  1. Open the source document whose table you will save as table style, select the whole table, and press Ctrl + C keys together to copy it.
  2. Put cursor at blank paragraph, press Ctrl + V keys to paste it, and then press Delete key to clear all table content.

How do you delete a table in Word without deleting the text?

How to Remove Table without Deleting Text in Microsoft Word

  1. Click on the table you want to remove.
  2. Go to the Table Tools > Layout menu.
  3. Click Convert to Text.
  4. Select the separator type between text, then click OK.
  5. The table is now removed and the text still there.

How do I create a table in text editor?

Add a table

  1. In the TextEdit app on your Mac, click where you want to add the table.
  2. Choose Format > Table, then use the controls to adjust the number of rows and columns, text alignment, cell color, and other options.
  3. Close the window to return to your document.

How do you enter and edit data in a cell of a table?

On the active worksheet, select the cell or range in which you want to edit existing or enter new data. In the active cell, type new data or edit the existing data, and then press Enter or Tab to move the selection to the next cell. The changes are applied to all the worksheets that you selected.

Are you struggling to get your message across? When your Microsoft Word project contains information, try presenting it in the form of a Word table. Learn how to make tables in Word quickly with a template.

Word templates - Envato ElementsWord templates - Envato ElementsWord templates - Envato Elements

Premium Word templates like this one help you create effective documents with professional design and layout.

A table is a kind of chart that organizes and presents data in rows and columns. It makes information easier to grasp, understand, and analyze at a glance, compared to explaining the same data through plain text.

Microsoft Word gives you various ways to insert or create a table. And you’ve got granular control over the formatting, layout, and appearance of Microsoft Word tables. Table charts are useful in different types of Word projects, whether for personal, educational, or business use. 

This article will show you how to make a table in Word using a template. Then edit and format it to change its appearance.

(Note: The screenshots and instructions that follow are made using Microsoft Word for Mac version 16.4. If you’re using a different version of Word, then the interface and steps may be different.)

How to Make & Edit MS Word Tables (Video)

In this video, you’ll learn how to quickly make tables in Mircosoft Word. Find out how to start with a premium template. Quickly customize it to make an attractive, professional MS Word table you can use and reuse.

To learn even more about MS Word tables and about templates than can be used for tables, study the step-by-step tutorial below:

How to Make Basic Tables in Word 

Let’s start by learning how to make a basic table in Microsoft Word:

1. Insert a Table

You can create a basic Microsoft Word table in one of two ways:

Method 1. The Insert Tab

Click on the Insert tab, then click the Table button on the ribbon.

How to make a table in Word - Insert TableHow to make a table in Word - Insert TableHow to make a table in Word - Insert Table

The Insert Table panel appears. Drag the cursor over the squares to specify the number of columns and rows you want to create. Click to apply.

How to make a table in Word - Insert Table panelHow to make a table in Word - Insert Table panelHow to make a table in Word - Insert Table panel

Method 2. The Insert Menu

Go to Insert > Table….

How to make a table in Word - Insert Table from menuHow to make a table in Word - Insert Table from menuHow to make a table in Word - Insert Table from menu

The Insert Table panel opens. Specify the number of columns and rows you need. (You can always add or remove columns and rows later.)

How to make a table in Word - Insert Table panel from menuHow to make a table in Word - Insert Table panel from menuHow to make a table in Word - Insert Table panel from menu

Also select the Autofit Behavior you want the table to have. You’ve got several options:

  • Initial column width. The default setting is Auto, which divides the entire width of your page window across the number of columns in the table. Or, you can specify a different column width.
  • AutoFit to contents. Resizes the column width based on the width of the content inside the column. 
  • AutoFit to window. Distributes the columns equally across the entire width of the page window.
  • Set as default for new tables. Check this option if you want the settings to be applied globally to all new tables you create.

When you’re happy with the options you’ve selected, click OK.

How to make a table in Word - Inserting a tableHow to make a table in Word - Inserting a tableHow to make a table in Word - Inserting a table

2. Draw a Table

Or, you can draw a table in MS Word. This is a useful feature if you want to create an irregular or more complicated table with columns and/or rows of varying widths.

To draw a table, click Insert > TableDraw Table.

How to make a table in Word - Draw TableHow to make a table in Word - Draw TableHow to make a table in Word - Draw Table

With your mouse or trackpad, click and drag the cursor to start drawing your table. You can begin by drawing the outermost boundary of the table first.

Microsoft Word table - Draw TableMicrosoft Word table - Draw TableMicrosoft Word table - Draw Table

Then, click and drag the cursor to create columns and rows inside the table. When you’re done, click anywhere outside the table.

Microsoft Word table - Draw Table columns and rowsMicrosoft Word table - Draw Table columns and rowsMicrosoft Word table - Draw Table columns and rows

Here’s an example of an “irregular” table you can draw using this feature.

Microsoft Word table - Drawing a TableMicrosoft Word table - Drawing a TableMicrosoft Word table - Drawing a Table

If you make a mistake, click LayoutEraser to erase a line from the table.

Microsoft Word table - Table EraserMicrosoft Word table - Table EraserMicrosoft Word table - Table Eraser

Click and drag the eraser along the line you wish to erase. The line that’ll be erased appears as a thick, red line. Release the mouse or trackpad to erase.

Microsoft Word table - Layout EraserMicrosoft Word table - Layout EraserMicrosoft Word table - Layout Eraser

Click outside the table when you’re done.

3. Convert Text to Tables and Vice Versa

Another way to create a table is by converting text into a table. This means you can take non-tabular data from a CSV or plain TXT file and convert them into a table.

First, copy and paste the non-tabular data into your Word document.

How to insert table in Word - Converting Text to TablesHow to insert table in Word - Converting Text to TablesHow to insert table in Word - Converting Text to Tables

With the text selected, go to Insert > Table > Convert Text to Table….

How to insert table in Word by converting Text to Tables How to insert table in Word by converting Text to Tables How to insert table in Word by converting Text to Tables

The Convert Text to Table panel opens. Specify the settings you wish to use. Click OK.

How to insert table in Word - Convert Text to Tables PanelHow to insert table in Word - Convert Text to Tables PanelHow to insert table in Word - Convert Text to Tables Panel

The text is then converted into a table.

How to insert table in Word - Text Converted to TablesHow to insert table in Word - Text Converted to TablesHow to insert table in Word - Text Converted to Tables

You can also do the opposite, which is to convert a table into text.

Select the cells or entire table you want to convert. Next, click on the Layout tab then click the Convert Table to Text icon.

How to insert table in Word - Convert Table to Text iconHow to insert table in Word - Convert Table to Text iconHow to insert table in Word - Convert Table to Text icon

The Convert Table to Text panel opens. This is where you’ll decide how you want to separate text that’s currently in different columns. When you’ve made a selection, click OK.

How to insert table in Word - Convert Table to TextHow to insert table in Word - Convert Table to TextHow to insert table in Word - Convert Table to Text

For this example, I chose to separate text with commas. This is what the converted table looks like.

How to insert table in Word - Table converted to textHow to insert table in Word - Table converted to textHow to insert table in Word - Table converted to text

4. Advanced: How to Insert a Table from Excel

If you’ve already created a table in Excel, you can embed it into your Word document.

Open the Excel file. Click and drag the mouse to select the table.

How to insert table in Word - Insert a Table from ExcelHow to insert table in Word - Insert a Table from ExcelHow to insert table in Word - Insert a Table from Excel

Go back to your Word document. Go to Edit > Paste Special ….

How to insert table in Word - Insert a Table from Excel Paste SpecialHow to insert table in Word - Insert a Table from Excel Paste SpecialHow to insert table in Word - Insert a Table from Excel Paste Special

In the Paste Special panel, select Microsoft Excel Binary Worksheet Object, then click OK.

How to insert table in Word - Paste Microsoft Excel Binary Worksheet ObjectHow to insert table in Word - Paste Microsoft Excel Binary Worksheet ObjectHow to insert table in Word - Paste Microsoft Excel Binary Worksheet Object

This embeds the Excel table into Word. It’s still an Excel table, which means you can’t edit or format the table in MS Word. You’ve got to do so in Excel.

Embed Microsoft Excel Table into WordEmbed Microsoft Excel Table into WordEmbed Microsoft Excel Table into Word

Double-click anywhere in the table to launch the source file in Excel. When you make any changes to the table in Excel, the table embedded in your Word project automatically updates to reflect those changes.

Now you know how to make a table in MS Word using various options.

How to Edit Tables

At any time after creating your table, you can edit and customize it to look the way you want it to. Here are some steps for editing tables in Microsoft Word:

1. Add a Column or Row

To add a row or column, click inside a table cell. Right-click on the mouse, then click Insert.

Edit a table in MS Word - Add a column or rowEdit a table in MS Word - Add a column or rowEdit a table in MS Word - Add a column or row

Select one of the following: 

  • Columns to the Left. Adds a column to the left of the current column
  • Columns to the Right. Adds a column to the right of the current column
  • Rows Above. Adds a row above the current row
  • Rows Below. Adds a row below the current row
  • Cells … Inserts a cell and shifts the rest of the cells either to the right or down from where the cursor is
  • Table … Inserts a table inside the current cell

Or, with the cursor in one of the cells, you can click on the Layout tab.

Edit a table in MS Word - LayoutEdit a table in MS Word - LayoutEdit a table in MS Word - Layout

Then choose of the following buttons on the ribbon:

  • Insert Above. Inserts a row above the current cell
  • Insert Below. Inserts a row below the current cell
  • Insert Columns to the Left. Inserts a column to the left of the current cell
  • Insert Columns to the Right. Inserts a column to the right of the current cell

Finally, you can add a new row when you’ve reached the last cell in the last row of your table. Simply press tab and a new row appears.

2. Delete a Column or Row

To delete a cell, column, row, or table, click on the Layout tab > Delete.

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Select one of the options that appear:

  • Delete Cells …
  • Delete Columns
  • Delete Rows
  • Delete Table

You can use the same steps to edit a table you’ve drawn. Or, you can use the Layout tab to add or delete rows and columns.

Edit a table in MS Word - Layout Draw Table and EraserEdit a table in MS Word - Layout Draw Table and EraserEdit a table in MS Word - Layout Draw Table and Eraser

Merge Cells

Sometimes you may want to merge cells to present information more clearly. To merge cells, click and drag the cursor to select the cells you wish to merge.

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On the Layout tab, click on the Merge Cells button.

Edit a table in MS Word - Merge cells through Layout tabEdit a table in MS Word - Merge cells through Layout tabEdit a table in MS Word - Merge cells through Layout tab

Or, after selecting the cells to be merged, right-click on your mouse, then click Merge Cells.

Edit a table in MS Word - Merge cells through right-clickEdit a table in MS Word - Merge cells through right-clickEdit a table in MS Word - Merge cells through right-click

Now the cells have been merged into one.

Edit a table in MS Word - Cells mergedEdit a table in MS Word - Cells mergedEdit a table in MS Word - Cells merged

Split Cells

After merging cells, you can always split them again into separate cells. 

Place the cursor in the merged cell, then click Layout > Split Cells.

Edit a table in MS Word - Split cellsEdit a table in MS Word - Split cellsEdit a table in MS Word - Split cells

Or, right-click on your mouse, then click Split Cells…

Edit a table in MS Word - Right-click to Split CellsEdit a table in MS Word - Right-click to Split CellsEdit a table in MS Word - Right-click to Split Cells

Either way, the Split Cells panel pops up. Specify the number of columns and rows you want to split the cell into. Click OK.

Edit a table in MS Word - Split Cells panelEdit a table in MS Word - Split Cells panelEdit a table in MS Word - Split Cells panel

Split Table

You may decide that it makes more sense to split up a table into two separate tables. Microsoft Word lets you do that easily, too.

In this example, I want to split the table right above the Accessories cell. And so, I’ll place the cursor in that cell. Next, click on the Layout tab, then click the Split Table button.

Edit a table in MS Word - How to split a tableEdit a table in MS Word - How to split a tableEdit a table in MS Word - How to split a table

Now, we’ve got two separate tables.

Edit a table in MS Word - Split TableEdit a table in MS Word - Split TableEdit a table in MS Word - Split Table

Table Formatting

When you first create a table, it looks plain and boring. But Microsoft Word has many features so you can format tables to look exactly the way you want them. Here are some common ways to format tables:

1. Table Styles

The easiest way to format a table is by using one of the pre-formatted table styles. Put the cursor in any cell in the table. Click on the Table Design tab. Next, click on the arrow to expand the Table Styles group. 

Edit a table in MS Word - Table StylesEdit a table in MS Word - Table StylesEdit a table in MS Word - Table Styles

Click on a style you want to use and it’s applied immediately.

You can change any style you’ve selected. Again, click on Table Design, expand the Table Style group, then click Modify Style

The Modify Style panel opens. Make the selections you want, then click OK.

2. Use Your Own Formatting

The Table Design tab gives you control over the appearance of every aspect of your table. Click on the Table Design tab and any of the appropriate buttons on the ribbon.

Edit a table in MS Word - Table DesignEdit a table in MS Word - Table DesignEdit a table in MS Word - Table Design

Resize a Table

You can also resize your table. Click on any cell to select the table, then click and drag one of the corners to resize it.

Edit a table in MS Word - Resizing a TableEdit a table in MS Word - Resizing a TableEdit a table in MS Word - Resizing a Table

Or, you can use the Layout tab to resize individual cells, specific rows or columns, or the entire table. Select the columns or rows you wish to resize. Specify the height and/or width you wish to apply.

Edit a table in MS Word - Layout to resize columns and rowsEdit a table in MS Word - Layout to resize columns and rowsEdit a table in MS Word - Layout to resize columns and rows

You can also adjust column width by hand by using the Table Ruler. Click inside a column you want to change. Then, drag the sliders in the Table Ruler to set to desired width.

Edit a table in MS Word - Table RulerEdit a table in MS Word - Table RulerEdit a table in MS Word - Table Ruler

Text Wrapping

If you want text to flow around the table, you can do so by changing its text wrapping. 

Click in any cell to select the table. Click Table > Table Properties….

Edit a table in MS Word - Text WrappingEdit a table in MS Word - Text WrappingEdit a table in MS Word - Text Wrapping

In the Table Properties panel and under Text Wrapping, click Around > OK.

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Now the text flows around the table.

Edit a table in MS Word - Text Wrapping AroundEdit a table in MS Word - Text Wrapping AroundEdit a table in MS Word - Text Wrapping Around

Take note that the Table Properties panel allows you to format other qualities of the table, including:

  • Size
  • Alignment
  • Positioning
  • Borders and Shading

On the other tabs, you can change:

  • Column, Row, and Cell Size
  • Allow row to break across pages
  • Repeat as header row at the top of each page
  • Cell Vertical Alignment
  • Alt Text (Title and Description) — more information about the table, to help people with vision or cognitive impairment who may not see the table

Find Great Styles for Microsoft Word

You don’t have to start from scratch to create an impressive and effective Word document — even if you don’t have design skills. You can find great styles by using a template for Word.

Premium Word templates - Envato ElementsPremium Word templates - Envato ElementsPremium Word templates - Envato Elements

Access thousands of Word templates with unlimited downloads at Envato Elements.

One great source for great Microsoft Word templates and professional graphics is Envato Elements. For one low monthly subscription, you get unlimited downloads of templates, graphics, fonts, and other creative tools you need for your project. It’s a terrific option if you create plenty of materials.

For single projects, GraphicRiver is an outstanding source for templates for Word. This marketplace gives you access to thousands of creative elements on a pay-per-use basis.

Learn More

Microsoft Word has many robust features to help you realize the vision you’ve got for your document. But with power comes complexity. That’s why it’s a good idea to learn how to use Microsoft Word. 

These articles will help you get started:

Visualize Your Data with Microsoft Word Tables

Make your information clearer and easier to understand by learning how to make a table in Microsoft Word. Tables organize data into rows and columns, which makes them easier to grasp at a glance. Follow the steps in this article to create, format, and customize tables in Word.

You can also use a premium Word template to get a premium design created by designers. Get Word templates from Envato Elements, if you want unlimited downloads of templates, graphics, and other creative tools you need — all for one flat monthly fee.

Or, get premium templates for Word from GraphicRiver if you prefer to pay for each use of an item. Both sources give you access to thousands of design elements created by professionals, so you can save time, energy, and effort while creating an outstanding Word document.

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Alexis (Lexi) Rodrigo

Marketing & Communications Professional and Lifelong Learner/Canada

Lexi Rodrigo is a marketing and communications professional, copywriter, and course creator who helps remarkable brands and people get seen, heard, and known. Writing for the web since 2008, she has over 100+ blog posts published on Envato Tuts, Acadium, Mirasee, Vero, Copyblogger, FreelanceFolder, Business2Community, and others.

Lexi has supported multimillion-dollar companies and nonprofits in various marketing and communication roles. She has driven results like tripling the organic search traffic of a blog in three months and generating over $65 million in revenues, donations, and sponsorships.

She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications. She is also the co-author of «Blog Post Ideas: 21 Proven Ways to Create Compelling Content and Kiss Writer’s Block Goodbye.» When she’s not reading or writing, Lexi bakes bread, grows food, and takes long walks.

Many documents present some data in the form of figures or tables. Creating tables is often more efficient than describing the data in the paragraph text, especially when the data is numerical or large. The tabular data presentation makes it easier to read and understand.

A table is a collection of information or data, usually represented by horizontal rows and vertical columns. Each column and each row can have a header. Some tables have only column headings or only row headings. The box at the junction of each column and row is a cell that contains data such as text, numeric information, or images. Some cells can be merged or split (see more about formatting tables). E.g.:

Table in Word 365

Microsoft Word has many features that make working with tables simple and convenient.

Create a table

There are several ways how to insert or create a table:

  • Create a blank table of up to 10 columns and 8 rows,
  • Create a blank table with more than 10 columns or more than 8 rows,
  • Create a blank table manually (Draw a table),
  • Create a table using predefined templates (Quick Tables),
  • Create a table from the existing data (Convert Text to Table),
  • Insert a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

To create a blank table in a Word document, do the following:

   1.   Place your cursor where you want to insert the table.

   2.   On the Insert tab, in the Tables group, click the Table button:

Tables button in Word 365

   3.   Do one of the following:

Create a blank table of up to 10 columns and 8 rows

  • To create a table of up to 10 columns and 8 rows, move the cursor right (to select columns) and down (to select rows) the grid to select as many cells as you need. E.g., the table of 5 columns and 3 rows (selected cells will turn orange):

    Insert table 5x3 in Word 365

    Click on a cell in the grid with the expected number of rows and columns (or press Enter) to insert an empty table to fit the width of the text (paragraph).

    The table has the specified number of single-line text rows in the current paragraph and equal-width columns. E.g., the table of 3 rows and 5 columns:

    Table 5x3 in Word 365

Create a blank table with more than 10 columns or more than 8 rows

  • To create a table with more than 10 columns or more than 8 rows, do one of the following:
    • Create a table with exactly 10 columns or 8 rows, then add as many columns or rows as you need (see below how to customize table).
    • Click the Insert Table… option:

      Insert table in Word 365

      In the Insert Table dialog box:

      Insert table dialog box in Word 365

      • In the Table size group, specify the number of columns and rows,
      • In the AutoFit behavior group, specify the width of the table and its columns:
        • Select the Fixed column width option to customize width in the appropriate field: select Auto (used by default) or specify width. E.g., 0.75″:

        Table with Fixed column width in Word 365

        • Select the AutoFit contents option to adjust cell sizes to the document content. E.g.:

        Table with AutoFit contents in Word 365

        • Select the AutoFit to window option to adjust the table’s width to the document content width. E.g.:

        Table with AutoFit to window in Word 365

      • Select the Remember dimension for new tables check box if you want to create tables with the same options later. Word will remember your customization.

Create a blank table manually

  • To manually create an empty table, click the Draw Table option:

    Draw Table in Word 365

    After clicking that option, the cursor changes to the pencil Pencil in Word 365 that allows drawing cells directly in the Word document to create a table:

    Example Draw Table in Word 365

    Click anywhere in a document but the table itself by the pencil to stop drawing a table.

    Notes:

    1. To draw additional lines, select a table, then on the Table Layout tab, in the Draw group, click the Draw Table button:

      Draw Table button in Word 365

    2. If you draw a line in the wrong position, click the Eraser button in the Draw group of the Table Layout tab:

      Eraser button in Word 365

    3. We recommend displaying the rulers or gridlines to help you place the lines correctly.

Create a table using predefined templates

To create a table using predefined Word templates of tables and calendars, do the following:

   1.   Place your cursor where you want to insert the table.

   2.   On the Insert tab, in the Tables group, click the Table dropdown list, then select Quick Tables list:

Quick Tables in Word 365

   3.   From the Quick Tables gallery, select the template you prefer.

For example:

Example Quick Table in Word 365

Create a table from the existing data

To create a table from the existing data in a document data (either as regular text or as a tabbed list), do the following:

   1.   Select the document data you want to shape into a new table.

   2.   On the Insert tab, in the Tables group, click the Table dropdown list, then select Convert Text to Table…:

Convert Text to Table in Word 365

   3.   In the Convert Text to Table dialog box:

Convert Text to Table dialog box in Word 365

  • In the Table size group, specify the number of columns,
  • In the AutoFit behavior group, specify whether the width of the columns should be fixed (see details above),
  • In the Separate text at group, select the character that separates text into columns in the selected text: paragraph marks, commas, tabs, or some other character.

E.g.:

Convert Text to Table example in Word 365

Insert a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet

Note: It is possible to insert a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet in a document. To do so, on the Insert tab, in the Tables group, click the Table dropdown list, then select Excel Spreadsheet:

Excel Spreadsheet in Word 365

Word opens the Excel spreadsheet where you can enter the data. You can use Excel features such as functions and formulas to create or manipulate the data. Note that it is not a Word table.

Add rows and columns

To add a row and a column to a table, do the following:

   1.   Position the cursor:

  • to a cell in a row above or below which you need to insert a row,
  • to a cell in a column left or right which you need to insert a column.

   2.   Do one of the following:

  • Click the Insert dropdown list in the Mini toolbar:

    Insert in popup menu Word 365

  • On the Table Layout tab, in the Rows & Columns group:

    Insert in Mini toolbar Word 365

    • Click the Insert Above button to insert a row above the row with the cursor,
    • Click the Insert Below button to insert a row below the row with the cursor,
    • Click the Insert Left button to insert a column left to the column with the cursor,
    • Click the Insert Right button to insert a column right to the column with the cursor.
  • Right-click and select the Insert list:

    Insert in popup menu Word 365

Notes:

  1. To insert rows or columns, move the mouse over the table or left of the table until you see the Insertion indicator, then click the icon:

    Insertion indicator for rows in Word 365  and  
    Insertion indicator for columns in Word 365

  2. You can choose the option Insert -> Insert Cells… from the popup menu; Word opens the Insert Cells dialog box:

    Insert Cells dialog box in Word 365

    After selecting the option and clicking the OK button, Word adds an entire row or column, not a cell. Word just moves cells according to the selection.

Delete a table element

To delete a table element, do the following:

   1.   Select the cell, multiple cells, the entire column or multiple columns, the entire row, or multiple rows.

   2.   Do one of the following:

  • Click the Delete dropdown list in the Mini toolbar:

    Delete in popup menu Word 365

  • On the Table Layout tab, in the Rows & Columns group, click the Delete dropdown list, then select one of the options:

    Delete table elements in Word 365

   3.   Select one of the proposed options:

  • Delete Cells… opens the Delete Cells dialog box, in which select the option you need:

    Delete Cells dialog box in Word 365

  • Delete Columns
  • Delete Rows
  • Delete Table

Note: You can select the element you want to delete, right-click on the selection and select the appropriate item in the popup menu. For example, if the entire table is selected or the column is selected:

Delete Table in popup menu Word 365  and  
Delete Columns in popup menu Word 365

Convert a table into text

To convert a table into text in Word, follow the next steps:

   1.   Click anywhere in the table.

   2.   On the Layout tab, in the Format group, click the Convert to Text button:

Convert to Text in Word 365

   3.   In the Convert Table to Text dialog box, select the charter to separate cells data in the text:

Convert Table to Text dialog box in Word 365

   4.   Click OK.

Updated: 04/30/2020 by

Microsoft Word table

You can insert a table in a Microsoft Word document to display data in a tabular format. A table is a great way to represent multiple fields of associated data. For example, a list of prices is easier to read when displayed in a table.

Adding a table in Word

  1. In Word, place the mouse cursor where you want to add the table.
  2. Click the Insert tab in the Ribbon.
  3. Click the Table button and select how many cells, rows, and columns you want the table to display. You can also click Insert Table and enter the number of columns and rows for the inserted table.

Inserting or deleting a row or column

In a Microsoft Word table, you can add or remove a row or column at any time.

  • Insert a row.
  • Insert a column.
  • Delete a row.
  • Delete a column.

Insert a row

  1. Move the mouse cursor inside the left edge of a cell in the row where you want to insert a new row. The cursor changes to a small black arrow pointing to the top-right.
  2. Using your mouse, right-click to open the pop-up menu, select Insert, then select Insert Rows Above or Insert Rows Below, depending where you want to insert the row.

Insert row in a Microsoft Word table

Insert a column

  1. Move the mouse cursor inside the left edge of a cell in the column where you want to insert a new column. The cursor changes to a small black arrow pointing to the top-right.
  2. Using your mouse, right-click to open the pop-up menu, select Insert, then select Insert Columns to the Left or Insert Columns to the Right, depending where you want the row inserted.

Insert column in a Microsoft Word table

Delete a row

  1. Move the mouse cursor inside the left edge of a cell in the row you want to delete. The cursor changes to a small black arrow pointing to the top-right.
  2. Using your mouse, double-click to select the entire row in the table.
  3. Right-click with the mouse to open the pop-up menu, and select Delete Rows.

Delete row in a Microsoft Word table

Delete a column

  1. Move the mouse cursor inside the top edge of the top-most cell in the column you want to delete. The cursor changes to a small black arrow pointing downward.
  2. Using your mouse, click once to select the entire column in the table.
  3. Right-click with the mouse to open the pop-up menu, and select Delete Columns.

Delete column in a Microsoft Word table

Moving the table

After the table is added to the document, you can move it anywhere else in the document. To move the table, hover your mouse cursor over the table, then click-and-drag the arrows in the top-left corner of the table.

Resizing the table

Once the table is inserted, you can adjust the table’s size by moving the mouse to the bottom-right corner of the table until you get a double-headed arrow. Once this arrow is visible, click-and-drag the table in the direction you want the table to expand.

Changing the look of the table

After the table is added to the document, move your cursor to a cell in the table, and click the Design tab. In the Design tab, you can adjust the Header Row, Total Row, and how the rows appear. You can also adjust the overall look of the table by clicking one of the table styles.

Repeat header row of the table on each page

If the table spans more than one page, you may want to have the header row displayed on each additional page the table spans across. You can make the header row visible on each page by following the steps below.

  1. Right-click the header row of the table and select Properties in the pop-up menu.
  2. In the Table Properties window, click the Row tab.
  3. Check the box for the Repeat as header row at the top of each page option, and click OK.

Repeat header row of table in Microsoft Word

Deleting a table

If you want to delete a table from a Word document, follow the steps below.

  1. Move your mouse cursor over the table you want to delete.
  2. At the upper-left corner of the table, a small square with the move icon Move icon inside it should be seen. Move your mouse cursor over that icon and click it to select the entire table.

Select entire table

  1. Right-click anywhere in the table and select Delete Table in the pop-up menu.

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