Creating a Table

The best way to work on a table is to create a simple table, enter the data, and then worry about formats and layouts. Don't concern yourself with what the table looks like until you've entered all the text. That way, you can focus on the data itself and make sure it is accurate.

To create a table, click the Insert Table button on the Standard toolbar. When you click the button, a 4 × 5 grid appears. Move the pointer over the grid and then click to tell Word how many columns and rows you want. To create a table bigger than four rows and five columns, hold down the mouse button as you move the mouse. This expands the grid. Release the mouse button when the table shows the number of rows and columns you want. In this illustration, clicking would create a table that is six rows long and seven columns wide.

Don't bother choosing the right number of rows and columns for now. As the following pages explain, it is easy to add and delete rows and columns.

TIP: A fast way to create a table is to do it with the Draw Table tool. Right-click on a toolbar and choose Tables and Borders. Then click the Draw Table tool and draw your table.