Making use of tables in a document means making the data more readable for users. Using Word tables is really very simple and provides numerous options to customize them and make them functional for your purpose. If you wish, use the predefined templates to make the creation process really quick and straightforward. Follow the steps in this guide to learn more.
Steps
Step 1. Open the Word document where you want to insert the table
Tables are available in any version of Word.
Step 2. Place the cursor in the area of the document where you want to insert the table
Select the 'Table' button located in the 'Insert' tab. In Word 2003, you will need to select the 'Insert' menu, then choose the 'Table' option.
To format the table and get better results, place the table between two paragraphs
Step 3. Choose your preferred input method
In Word 2007, 2010, and 2013, you have several ways to insert a table into a document. When you select the 'Insert' button, you will see a dialog box appear allowing you to choose one of the following methods:
- Use the grid to draw a table. You can create a table using the grid that appeared, the selected squares represent the number of rows and columns that the table will have. Move the mouse cursor inside the grid to select the size you want to give your table.
- Access the 'Insert Table' menu. This tool allows you to specify the number of rows and columns you want to give to your table, as well as the width of each column. Select the 'Fit to content' option to have the column fit the entered text, or create fixed-width columns. When finished, press the 'OK' button to insert the table.
- Insert an Excel spreadsheet. Select the 'Insert Excel Spreadsheet' option if you want to insert a table that allows data manipulation, as happens in Excel (for example by applying formulas or filters). If you want to go back to working on the Word document, simply select a point in the document outside the Excel table.
- Use a predefined table template. In newer versions of Word, you can use the 'Quick Tables' feature to insert default type tables. Then just replace the sample data with your own.
