How to Work With Tables in Microsoft Word

If you've ever tried to align columns of text by using tabs and spaces, then you know how time consuming and frustrating it can be. Using tables to align rows and columns in Microsoft Word can make that task much easier. Here are some ways to make tables in Microsoft Word quickly and easily.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Microsoft Word software

Create Tables in Microsoft Word

1. Insert a table with the Insert Table button. Put your cursor where you would like the table to begin and click the Insert Table toolbar button.
2. Select the number of rows and columns by highlighting the boxes, then click once to insert your table.
3. Create a quick table. Decide where you want the table to start and type a "+." Tab or space to the point where you want the column to end, and type a "+." Repeat for each column.
4. Add rows to the quick table by clicking outside the table at the end of the row and pressing return. Repeat for additional rows.

Modify Tables in Microsoft Word

5. Add a background color. Highlight the cells you wish to color. Right-click on the selected cells. On the pop-up menu, select Borders and Shading. Open the Shading tab and use the color chart to select a color. After specifying a color, choose Cell or Table in the drop-down box and click OK.
6. Insert a caption. Select the table. Choose Reference on the Insert menu and click Caption. In the Label box, select label type. Specify the placement of the label in the Position box, then click OK.
7. Convert a table to text. Select the table. Open the Table menu, go to the Convert submenu, and select Table to Text. Click OK and you're done.

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