How to Create a Table in Microsoft Word 2003

There are a couple of different ways to create a table. The easiest and fastest way is to use the Insert Table button which is located on the Standard toolbar. Just click the Insert Table button and drag inside the grid to select how many rows and columns you want. Drag down or up for more or less rows; drag to the right or left for more or less columns.

If you do not like using the Insert Table button to create a table, another way to do it is to use the Insert Table dialog box. Just click on Table on the menu bar and choose Insert, then Table and specify the number of rows and columns you want, then click OK.

Tables consist of columns, rows, and cells.

To move forward through cells press the Tab key; to move back one cell, press Shift+Tab. Note that if you are in the last cell of the table and press Tab, you will create a new row underneath.

You can change the formatting of your table or parts of your table by using the Table Properties dialog box. To open this dialog box, right-click on a table and choose Table Properties –OR– click on Table on the menu bar and choose Table Properties.

The Table tab options affect the ENTIRE table.

The Row tab options affect just the rows of your table. Make sure to select the entire table or select just the rows you want to change.

The Column tab options affect just the columns of your table. Make sure to select the entire table or select just the columns that you want to change.

The Cell tab options affect just specific cells of your table. Make sure to select the entire table or select just the cells that you want to change.

There are several options located on the Tables and Borders toolbar.

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To open the toolbar either right-click in the toolbar area and choose Tables and Borders –OR– click on View on the menu bar, choose Toolbars, then Tables and Borders.

With the toolbar you can adjust borders, colors, sort columns, change text direction and even quickly add numbers. Hover your mouse over a toolbar button for a description of each button.

You now have the basic knowledge needed for creating tables in Word. You can now move on to more complicated table designs and formatting.