How to Create a Simple Table in Microsoft Word
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
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1
Go to the Table menu and select Insert Table. The Insert Table window opens.
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2
Select the number of rows and columns you want in your table.
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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.
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4
Select the AutoFormat button to select one of Word's preformatted table styles. The Table AutoFormat window opens.
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5
Click one of the styles in the Formats box in the upper-left side of the window.
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6
Preview each format, after selecting it, in the Preview box in the upper-right side of the window.
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7
To customize a preselected format, select or deselect the borders, shading, font, color, heading rows, first column, last row and last column boxes.
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8
Select AutoFit, and Word will automatically fit the table to your page.
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1
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.