Tables in Word

Inserting a Table

Insert → Table → pick rows and columns in the grid. Or choose Draw Table for free-form layouts.

Adding Data

Click a cell and type. Tab moves to the next cell; Shift+Tab goes back. Enter inside a cell adds a line within that cell.

Formatting Tables

• Table Design tab - preset styles, banded rows, change borders and shading.
• Layout tab - insert/delete rows and columns, merge cells, split cells, align cell text, set row height/column width.
• Right-click a table for quick options like border color and cell shading.

Merging and Splitting

Select several cells → Layout → Merge Cells to create a heading spanning the table. Split Cells divides a cell again.

Sorting and Calculations

• Select a column and click Sort to arrange A-Z or ascending numbers.
• Layout → Formula can total a column (e.g. =SUM(ABOVE)) - handy for simple invoices.

Converting Text to a Table

Select text separated by tabs or commas → Insert → Table → Convert Text to Table. Perfect when data arrives from Excel.

Key Points

• Tab key drives cell navigation; keep one click per cell otherwise.
• Merge cells for headers; banded styles improve readability.
• Convert text to a table instead of retyping imported data.