How to Merge Two Columns

You can merge two columns together without recreating the table.

A table is a grid with rows and columns of cells. The cells may include text, graphics or other objects you want to present. Tables are used to format a document or to make parts of the document stand out. You can merge two columns together without recreating the table or retyping its contents. Any information within the columns is combined as well, whether the table is within a Word application or a Web page.

Instructions

Merging Columns in Word Applications

1. Open the document containing the two columns you want to merge.

2. Select the two cells that will be combined. Then right-click over the selected area. A pop-up menu will appear.

3. Choose "Merge Cells" or "Join Cells" (depending on your program) from the list of choices to merge the columns together.

Merging Columns in HTML Code

1. Open the HTML file you want to edit in a text editor of your choice.

2. Scroll to the <TD> code of the <TABLE> tag and find the two columns you want to merge. It will look similar to:

   <td>column 1 contents</td>
   <td>column 2 contents</td>

3. Replace the code to read as follows, but leave in the contents between the <td></td> tags:

   <td colspan="2">column 1 and column 2 contents</td>

4. Save your HTML file.

References

• Microsoft Office Online: Merging Cells
• W3 Schools: Working with HTML Tables