How to Create and Customize Tables in Microsoft Word

When you want to organize data or details in a clean, clear way in a Word document, tables are ideal. You can insert a table with as many columns and rows as you want, add borders, shading, ranged rows, and even apply an attractive style. If you're new to using tables in Microsoft Word This tutorial shows you how to create and customize tables in Microsoft Word.

How to insert a table in Word

Microsoft makes it very easy to insert a table into your Word document. Two ways to add one are described below.

Insert table with grid

For the simplest way to insert a table, specify the number of columns and rows.

1. Place the cursor where you want the table and go to the tab. "drawers". Select the drop-down arrow "table" In the Tables section of the ribbon.
   
2. Drag the pointer across the grid above and below the drop-down menu. As you drag, you'll see the number of columns and rows for the table, as well as a preview of the table.
   
3. When you see the dimensions you want, click. Your table will appear in your document.
   

Enter a table and adjust the settings.

If you want to take care of some table settings in advance, use the option Insert table.

1. Place the cursor where you want the table, and go to the tab "Insert" , select the drop-down arrow "table".
2. Locate Insert table in the dropdown menu.
   
3. At the top of the pop-up box, enter the number of columns and rows you want.
   
4. Choose the table auto-fit setting.
   • Set column width:Choose "automatic" For automatic sizes, enter a specific column size.
   • Auto-contain content:Resize the table display according to the data in it.
   • Auto-contain window: Resize the table according to the size of the Word window.

5. If you want new tables you create to adhere to these same settings, check the box at the bottom for “Remember the dimensions of the new tables.”.

6. When finished, click "OK" To create your table in Word.

How to resize a table in Word

Once you've inserted a table into Word, you may want to resize it manually. You can either resize the entire table or just the columns and rows.

Resize the table

To zoom in or out of the entire table, simply drag.

1. Select the table and hold the box that appears in the lower right corner.
   
2. Drag the box in, out, up, or down to adjust the table size.
   

Resize a column or row

If you just want to adjust the size of a column or row, it's just as easy.

1. Hover over a column or row border and a double-sided arrow will appear. The arrows face left and right for columns and up and down for rows.
   
2. When you see the arrow, click and drag. Drag left or right to resize a column, or up or down to resize a row.
   

How to align a table in Word

If you resize the table so that it doesn't stretch the width of the page, you may want to align it to the left, center, or right in the document.

1. Select the table and go to the tab Home page
   
2. Use the Align Left, Center, or Align Right button in the Paragraph section of the ribbon to position your table on the page.
   

How to insert or remove columns or rows

You may insert a table with a plan for its dimensions, only to realize that you have too many or too few columns or rows. Adding columns and rows can be done in a flash.

Add columns or rows

1. To insert a single column or row, position the cursor at the top (column) or left (row) of the table. When the plus sign appears, click it.
   
2. To insert multiple columns or rows, select the same number of existing columns or rows. For example, if you want to add two columns, select two existing columns by dragging the pointer across or over them.
   
3. Right click, go to "Insert" In the menu, select to insert to the left or right of columns or above or below rows.
   

Remove columns or rows

To remove a column or row, select it. To remove more than one column or row, select multiple columns or rows by dragging across them. Right-click and choose Delete columns Or Delete rows.

How to add a border or shading to a table

Once you have the table inserted and aligned and sized as you like, you may want to spruce it up a bit by adding a border or shading to the table.

Select the table and go to the tab Table design.

Add a limit

1. Use the drop-down menu "border" To choose the type of border you want. For example, you can add a border around each cell, just on the outside of the table, or vertically inside the table. As you hover over the options, you'll see a preview on the table itself.
   
2. Click to apply the limit you want to use.
   
3. If you prefer to place a border around a specific cell, column, or row, select it first, and then open the Border menu. "border" Choose a style.
   

Shading application

1. To shade cells in a table with a specific color, use the drop-down menu. "shading" To choose the color you want.
   
2. If you prefer to shade only a cell, column, or row, select it first, then use the menu. "shading" To choose a color.

How to apply a style to a table

As an alternative to borders and shading, choose from one of Word's pre-made table styles. These allow you to add distinctive colors and borders with little effort.

1. Select the table and go to the tab Table designUse the up and down arrows in the box. Table Styles To view options or the More arrow in the bottom right to see them all.
   
2. Hover over an option to see a preview of it on your table.
3. Click to choose the style you want.

Include or remove header rows, totals, or ranges

If you apply a pre-made style to your table, you can modify it to suit your preferences. You can include or remove the header row, total row, first or last column, or ranged rows and columns.

Select your table and return to the tab. Table design. Select or uncheck the corresponding box(es) in the section. Table style optionsFrom the tape.

For example, if you choose a table style that contains a dark shaded header row, you can uncheck the box. Head row To remove this format.

How to delete a table in Word

If you insert a table that you no longer need, you can simply remove it from your document. Keep in mind that this removes the table as well as its contents.

Select the table, right-click and choose Delete tableYou will not be asked to confirm this action, so make sure you want to remove the table before continuing.

Additional table properties

Besides the customization and formatting options mentioned above in Word, you can also set a specific height for rows or a different alignment for cell contents.

1. Select the table, right-click, and choose Table properties in the list.
   
2. When the table properties box is displayed, use the tabs to adjust the size, text wrapping, alignment, and alt text.
   
3. Click "OK" To apply settings to your table.

Remember that you can also select the table and review additional formatting options on the tab. Table design.

Hint: You can Copy your table from Word to PowerPoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use existing text to create a table in Word?
The answer: Instead of cutting or copying and pasting text from your document into a new table, you can convert it.

Select the text, go to the tab "Insert" , and open the drop-down menu. "table" , then choose Convert text to tableChoose the number of columns and rows for your table. Note that you may still need to adjust the position of the contents within the table.

Q2: Can I draw my own table in Microsoft Word?
The answer: Word gives you the advantage of drawing your own table from scratch.

Go to the tab "Insert" and select Draw a table in the dropdown menu "table". Use your pointer, which turns into a pencil icon, to draw the outside of the table and the columns and rows inside it.

Q3: How do I create a table of contents in Word?
The answer: Format major sections of your document using the Heading 1 and Heading 2 styles on the Home tab. Home pageGo to the tab. "the reviewer" Choose a style from the drop-down list. "table of contents"For full details on the process, see our guide on. Create a table of contents in Word.