Modifying a table in Word 2019 is a breeze once you know the steps. Whether you’re adding rows, changing the style, or adjusting the size, a few clicks are all it takes. This overview gives you the gist: select the table, right-click to find options, and make your changes. After this short read, you’ll be editing tables like a pro.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Modify a Table in Word 2019
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re aiming for. Modifying a table can involve a range of actions from resizing columns and rows to changing the table’s design and layout. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Select the table
Click anywhere inside the table you wish to modify.
When you click inside the table, the “Table Design” and “Layout” tabs will appear on the ribbon at the top of Word. These tabs house all the tools you’ll need to modify your table.
Step 2: Adjust row height or column width
Hover over the row or column boundary until the cursor becomes a double-sided arrow, then click and drag to adjust.
This step is great for quickly adjusting the table to fit your content. Remember, you can always use the ruler at the top of the Word document to align your columns and rows precisely.
Step 3: Add or delete rows/columns
Right-click on the table and select “Insert” or “Delete” from the context menu to add or delete rows and columns.
Adding rows or columns can help you include more information, while deleting them can make your table more concise. You can also use the “Layout” tab for more specific insert and delete options.
Step 4: Merge or split cells
Select the cells you want to merge or split, then right-click and choose “Merge Cells” or “Split Cells.”
Merging cells can help with the headers for multiple columns or rows, and splitting cells can be useful when you need to break down data further.
Step 5: Change the table style
Go to the “Table Design” tab and choose from the gallery of table styles to apply a new look to your table.
Word 2019 offers a variety of preset styles that can give your table a professional look with just one click. You can also customize the style to match your document’s theme.
After completing these steps, your table will have a new structure and style that better suits your needs.
Tips for Modifying a Table in Word 2019
- Always backup your document before making extensive changes to tables to prevent data loss.
- Use the “Undo” feature (Ctrl + Z) if you make a mistake while modifying your table.
- To quickly select an entire table, move your cursor to the top-left corner of the table until it becomes a diagonal arrow, and then click.
- For more control over the table’s appearance, manually adjust cell margins and spacing under the “Layout” tab.
- Consider using the “Repeat Header Rows” feature under the “Layout” tab for long tables that span multiple pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I resize the entire table in Word 2019?
Click on the table and drag the squares at the corners or sides to resize the entire table proportionally.
Resizing the entire table is useful when you need to make it fit within a certain area of your document, but keep an eye on text readability.
Can I convert text to a table in Word 2019?
Yes, select the text, go to the “Insert” tab, and click on “Table” followed by “Convert Text to Table.”
This feature comes in handy when you have data listed in plain text format that would be more readable as a table.
How do I keep a table from breaking across pages?
Under the “Layout” tab, click on “Properties,” then under the “Row” tab, uncheck “Allow row to break across pages.”
This option is essential for keeping related rows together, such as a heading and its corresponding data.
What’s the best way to align my table in the document?
Select the table and use the alignment options under the “Table Tools Layout” tab to position your table on the page.
Proper alignment can enhance the overall appearance of your document and make it look more professional.
Can I add a caption to my table in Word 2019?
Yes, right-click on the table, select “Insert Caption,” and type your caption text.
Captions are great for providing context or additional information about the data presented in your table.
Summary
- Select the table.
- Adjust row height or column width.
- Add or delete rows/columns.
- Merge or split cells.
- Change the table style.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’re now equipped to modify tables in Word 2019 like a seasoned expert! Tables are a powerful tool for organizing and presenting data clearly and effectively. Whether it’s for a research paper, business report, or your latest novel, knowing how to tweak a table can make a huge difference to the readability and professionalism of your document.
Remember, the key to mastering table modification lies in understanding the wealth of options available to you under the “Table Design” and “Layout” tabs. Don’t be afraid to explore different styles and layouts – the perfect table setup for your content is out there. And if you ever find yourself stuck, the “Undo” button is your best friend.
As with any skill, practice makes perfect. So, why not open up Word 2019 and start experimenting with some tables now? The more you play around with these features, the more intuitive they’ll become. And before you know it, you’ll be modifying tables with your eyes closed (well, maybe keep them open just in case). Happy tabling!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.