How to Add Shading to a Table in Word 2003

Make the contents of your table more interesting and easy to understand by adding shading to certain cells. It is a simple feature in Microsoft Word 2003, and it allows you to customize the shading in your table to suit the information you are organizing. Follow these steps to add shading to a table in Word 2003.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Word 2003
• Computer

1. Open Microsoft Word. You can do this by clicking on the “Start” button. Click on “All Programs” then choose Microsoft Word from the list provided.

2. Open your document. Click on “File.” It is located at the top left corner of the window. Choose “Open.” From here you can open your document from the list provided by clicking on it.

3. Highlight the table, or a cell within a table, you want to shade once you have the document open.

4. Open the “Format” menu. From the “Format” menu you can click on “Open Borders and Shading.” Select the “Shading” tab.

5. Assign your preferences for color, percent transparency and pattern. When you are finished, click the “OK” button.

Tips & Warnings

• You can remove shading from a table or a cell within a table. Highlight the area you wish to remove the shading from. Open the “Borders and Shading” window, select the “Shading” tab and choose “No Fill.”
• If you are working with a complicated table, it may be helpful to open the “Tables and Borders” toolbar.
• Do not forget to save your work.