Introduction
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
-
Construct tables
-
Enter text and numbers into tables
Working with tables
Tables
allow large amounts of text and/or numbers to be presented in an organized and easy-to-read fashion. Student roll books, sport statistics, address books, math formulas, menus, and many other documents often incorporate tables to share information.
Similar to
columns
, tables can be challenging at first. Word has created an entire menu to help assist you in creating your first table.
Here are a few
important terms
to know before you begin creating tables:
-
Row
: A row runs horizontal in a table and is divided by borders.
-
Borders
: This separates lines in the table.
-
Column
: A column runs perpendicular in a table and is divided by borders.
-
Cell
: A cell is the box that is created when your rows and columns intersect. The cell contains your data or information.
To create tables using the Insert Table dialog box:
-
Click
Table
on the menu bar.
-
Select
Insert
and then
Table
from the cascading menu. The
Insert Table dialog box
appears.
-
Determine the number of columns and rows you need in your table. You can add more later, but save yourself some work. You can always add rows by pressing
Tab
at the end of a row.
-
To create a table as wide as your page, leave the
Fixed Column Width
setting on
Auto
.
-
Click
OK
. A table is inserted into your document.
Another automated way to create a quick table is by using the
Insert Table Button
on the
Standard toolbar
.
To create tables using the Insert Table button:
-
Click the
Insert Table button
.
-
Drag
the number of columns and rows you want in your table.
Custom-made tables
The
Insert Table dialog box
and
Insert Table button
offer a quick solution to making tables. If you would like to
custom create
your table by drawing it yourself, you can use the
Draw Table button
.
To create tables using the Draw Tables button:
-
Open the
Tables and Borders
toolbar by clicking
View
on the menu bar. Select
Toolbars
and then
Tables and Borders
from the Cascading Menu. The
Tables and Borders toolbar
will appear.
-
Click the
Draw Tables button
on the Tables and Borders toolbar. The mouse pointer turns into a pencil.
-
Drag the pencil to create a rectangle about the size of the table you want.
-
Release the mouse button. The border of the table appears in your document.
-
Use the pencil again to draw in column and row borders.
-
Click the
Draw Table
button again to change the pencil back into an I-beam.
If you make a mistake while drawing your table, you can erase both rows and columns by using the eraser on the Tables and Borders toolbar. Once you select the eraser, the pointer will change to resemble the Eraser button.
Drag the eraser over parts of the table you wish to erase. When you are finished erasing, click the Eraser button again to put it away.
Entering text
Click inside any table cell to begin entering text or numbers.
To move around in a table:
-
Use the
Tab
key or
right arrow key
to move right.
-
Use
Shift + Tab
or the
left arrow key
to move left.
-
The up and down arrow keys will move the insertion point above or below its current location.
To select text in tables:
-
A cell
: Triple-click inside a cell.
-
A row
: Move the mouse to the left of margins, point to the row, and click.
-
Multiple rows
: Select the first row, then click and drag the number of rows desired.
-
A column
: Move the mouse above the column. It turns into a downward pointing arrow. Click once.
-
Multiple columns
: Select the first column, then click and drag the number of columns desired.
-
Entire Table
: Choose Table and Select Table from the menu bar.
Challenge!
-
Open your document.
-
Think
about your flyer/newsletter and what type of information you can convey in a table.
-
Insert
a
table
into your document using one of the methods described in the lesson.
-
Enter text into your table.
-
Save and close your document.