Microsoft Word 2008
Resizing Table Elements
As you create your table, Word will assign it default dimensions which may not suit your purposes. This document explains how to modify and resize various table elements.
Adding and Deleting Rows and Columns
When working with tables, adding or deleting rows and columns is one of the most common tasks you will need to perform.
Adding Rows
To add a row at the bottom of a table:
-
Place your insertion point in the last cell (i.e., in the last row and last column)
-
Press [Tab]
A new row is inserted at the bottom of your table.
To add a row within the table:
-
Place your insertion point in a row directly above or below where you want to add a row
-
On the Command bar, from the Table pull-down menu, select Insert » select the appropriate option
Deleting Rows
-
Place your insertion point in the row to be deleted
-
On the Command bar, from the Table pull-down menu, select Delete » Rows
Adding Columns
To add a column at the end of the table:
Place your insertion point in the last column
-
On the Command bar, from the Table pull-down menu, select Insert » Columns to the Right
To add a column within the table:
-
Place your insertion point in a column to the right or left of where you want to add a column
-
On the Command bar, from the Table pull-down menu, select Insert » select the appropriate option
Deleting Columns
-
Place your insertion point in the column to be deleted
-
On the Command bar, from the Table pull-down menu, select Delete » Columns
Adjusting Column and Row Sizes
When a table is first created, all columns have equal widths. If you need to adjust column widths, you can do so using the Ruler or the Dialog Box.
Adjusting Column and Row Sizes: Ruler Option
To adjust column width:
-
Place your insertion point in the table you want to adjust
- From the View pull-down menu, select Ruler
A horizontal ruler, with Move Table Column handles for each column divider appears
-
On the horizontal ruler, click and hold the MOVE TABLE COLUMN handle at the right of the column you want to adjust
OR
Within your table, click and hold the column divider of the column you want to adjust -
Drag the Move Table Column handle or the table border to the desired location
To adjust row height:
-
Place the insertion point in the table you want to adjust
-
From the View pull-down menu, select Ruler
A vertical ruler, with Move Table Row handles for each row divider, appears to the left of your document.
-
Place the insertion point within the table
-
On the vertical ruler, click and hold the MOVE TABLE ROW handle at the bottom of the row you want to adjust
OR
Within your table, click and hold the row divider at the bottom of the row you want to adjust -
Drag the Move Table Row handle or the table border to the desired location
-
Release the mouse button
Adjusting Column and Row Sizes: Dialog Box Option
To adjust column width:
-
Place the insertion point within the column you want to adjust
-
On the Command bar, from the Table pull-down menu, select Table Properties...
-
Select the Column tab
-
In the Preferred width text box, type or use the nudge buttons to set the desired column width
-
OPTIONAL: Use the PREVIOUS COLUMN and NEXT COLUMN buttons to cycle between columns
-
Click OK
To adjust row height:
-
Place the insertion point within the row you want to adjust
-
On the Command bar, from the Table pull-down menu, select Table Properties...
-
Select the Row tab
-
In the Specify height text box, type or use the nudge buttons to set the desired column width
-
OPTIONAL: Use the PREVIOUS ROW and NEXT ROW buttons to cycle between rows
-
Click OK
