How to Convert a Table to Text in Microsoft Word

If you have previously created a table with Microsoft Word and have decided that you just need the text from the table, there is an easy way to convert that table into plain text. You may want to do this if you want to recreate a table or use the text in some other way in your document.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Microsoft Word

1. Start Microsoft Word and open a file that has an existing table that you want to convert to text.
2. Use your mouse to click and drag over the table or parts of the table to select the text that you would like have in your document without the table.
3. Choose the "Table" menu, select "Convert" and then click "Table to Text…" to bring up the "Convert Table to Text" dialog box.
4. Select how you want to separate your table items by choosing paragraph marks, tabs, commas or another symbol of your choosing. The item you choose here will be what shows up in your document instead of the cell margins.
5. Click the "OK" button on the "Convert Table to Text" dialog box to close the table and convert your table or portion of table to text.

Tips & Warnings

• The nesting table option in the "Convert Table to Text" dialog box can only be changed if you pick the "Paragraph marks" option.
• When you convert a table that holds objects, those objects will be brought out of the table when the "Convert Table to Text" tool is applied.

Who Can Help:

• Find Computer, Electrical and Telephone Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Electrical Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.