How to Create a Simple Table in Microsoft Word

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Tables present complex information in an easy-to-read format. You can insert text, numbers and graphics in tables. These instructions work for Microsoft Word 97 or 98.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Microsoft Word

Step 1

Go to the Table menu and select Insert Table. The Insert Table window opens.
Step 2

Select the number of rows and columns you want in your table.
Step 3

Select the column width (up to 22 inches) or choose Auto to have the column width adjust automatically, making the table extend across the width of the page.
Step 4

Select the AutoFormat button to select one of Word's preformatted table styles. The Table AutoFormat window opens.
Step 5

Click one of the styles in the Formats box in the upper-left side of the window.
Step 6

Preview each format, after selecting it, in the Preview box in the upper-right side of the window.
Step 7

To customize a preselected format, select or deselect the borders, shading, font, color, heading rows, first column, last row and last column boxes.
Step 8

Select AutoFit, and Word will automatically fit the table to your page.

Tips & Warnings

To manually change the width of a table or column after you've created it, use the mouse to place the pointer over the vertical line you want to move. When the pointer turns into a double-headed arrow, drag the line to the position you want it in the table.

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