I tend to create and use tables in Excel most of the time, but there does come the odd occasion where I’m working with Word and need to create a table. If you’re not used to tables in Word it can be a challenge to work it all out, but this post will provide a step-by-step guide so you’ll never have to struggle with tables again. Although these steps are consistent with the 2010 version of Word, they will be almost identical in previous versions.

STEP 1: Create a Table

 Click on the ‘Insert’ tab and choose ‘Table’. You then have three options, if you want a small and simple table then roll your mouse over the tool at the top of the menu to select the number of rows and columns you need. Once you have the size you want, click once and the table will appear on your page.

Alternatively if you want to define your table more specifically use the ‘Insert Table’ option. This allows you to select how many rows and columns you want, but also lets you define column width. For an even more personalised table, select ‘Draw Table’ and use the pencil tool to draw in the lines where you need them. Whichever of these options you choose, you should then end up with a table on the page in front of you.

STEP 2: Add or Remove Cells

If you make a mistake you can delete and start again by highlighting the table, right clicking and selecting the ‘Delete Table’ option. Alternatively delete a row or column by highlighting it, right clicking and selecting ‘Delete Row’ or ‘Delete Column’. If you need to insert extra rows or columns right click on the table, select ‘Insert’ and choose from the options.

STEP 3: Input Data

Now you can input data into the cells of your table. Simply click to place your cursor in a cell and start typing. Quickly move to the next cell across using the ‘Tab’ button at the top left of your keyboard.

STEP 4: Format Data

You can format the text in your table using the normal tools in Word, simply highlight the text in the cell and use functions such as Bold, Italic, Delete, Change Colour etc. in the usual way. Most of the other functions you will need can be found by right clicking on the table. Using this menu you can merge or split cells, change the alignment of the text in the cell and auto-fit the cell size to the text among other things.

STEP 5: Re-size the Table

The final step is to move and resize your table to fit neatly onto the page. Hover your mouse over the table and two buttons will appear as shown by the red arrows; the move button at the top left and the re-size button at the bottom right. Use them one at a time by clicking, holding and dragging with your mouse until the table is where you want it to be.

You should now have created a table and put in the data you need, all in five easy steps. If you are still struggling or have any questions please contact us at sales AT flint-it DOT com or call 0845 3309680.

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