Definition of Nested Tables in Microsoft Word
Nested tables in Microsoft Word are tables inserted within an already existing table. A table is a container in Word used to organize text or other objects, such as pictures, to provide a visually appealing and properly spaced page. Tables consist of rows and columns that create cells where you type your text or place images. Nested tables are useful in arranging text and pictures, helping to avoid overcrowding on a page.
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Creating Nested Tables
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Click your mouse at the position inside your table where you want the nested table to be. This will set the insertion point and you can then either draw the table or use the "Insert Table" command. When creating the second table to nest, you can choose how many columns and rows you want.
Working with Nested Tables
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Since the nested table is identical in function to the main table, you can use the same commands and functions you normally use in any table. You can press the "Tab" key to move around the cells of your nested table, you add or remove cells, columns and rows from the nested table just as you would any other table.
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Considerations
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When applying styles or other appearance formatting to tables, nested tables will inherit the formats applied to the main table. To apply formatting to only the nested table, select the nested table first. This includes borders, shading, styles and more. For your nested table to have a different appearance, you need to format the nested table separately.
Functioning
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The nested table, like a non-nested table, has the same features and functions of a standard table. The "Table Move Handle," the small plus sign icon that displays in the upper-left corner of a selected table, is useful for moving or selecting the entire nested table. The handle functions the same in a nested table as a non-nested table.
Warnings
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If you delete a row or a column in the main table that contains a nested table, it will also delete the entire nested table. In this situation, you would want to delete cells to remove the unwanted area of the main table. You could also move the nested table, delete the rows from the main table and then reposition your nested table.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit table and pencil image by Daraban Oana Gabriela from Fotolia.com
