Adjusting Column Width Using Menus

In other issues of WordTips you learn how to adjust the width of table columns by using the mouse. If you want to adjust the size of table columns so they are precise, there is no way to beat the menus. You can adjust column width by following these steps if you are using Word 97:

1. Select the column whose width you want to change.
2. Choose Cell Height and Width from the Table menu. The Cell Height and Width dialog box is displayed, with the Column tab selected.
3. Using the Width of Column control, set the column width as desired.
4. Use the Previous Column or Next Column buttons, as desired, to select other columns.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have set all the column widths desired.
6. Click on OK to close the Table Properties dialog box.

If you are using Word 2000 through Word 2003, follow these steps:

1. Select the column whose width you want to change.
2. Choose Table Properties from the Table menu. The Table Properties dialog box is displayed, with the Column tab selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. Using the Preferred Width control, set the column width as desired.
4. Use the Previous Column or Next Column buttons, as desired, to select other columns.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have set all the column widths desired.
6. Click on OK to close the Table Properties dialog box.

If you are using Word 2007, follow these steps:

1. Select the column whose width you want to change.
2. Display Layout tab of the Ribbon.
3. Click the Properties option in the Table group. Word displays the Table Properties dialog box.
4. Make sure the Column tab is displayed.
5. Using the Preferred Width control, set the column width as desired.
6. Use the Previous Column or Next Column buttons, as desired, to select other columns.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you have set all the column widths desired.
8. Click on OK to close the Table Properties dialog box.