Putting Tables Within Margins

Summary: When you first insert a table in your document, it extends from margin to margin. Later, after a bunch of editing and possible margin changes, you may need to again make the table fit within your margins. Here's a quick way to get the desired results. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, Word 2003, and Word 2007.)

Need to know a quick way to make sure a too-wide table fits within the margins of your page? Here's a really easy method, available if you are using Word 2000 or a later version:

Right-click anywhere within the table. Word displays a Context menu.
Click on AutoFit. Word displays a submenu.
Within the submenu, choose AutoFit to Window.

If you are using Word 97, follow these steps:

Select the entire table.
Choose Cell Height and Width from the Table menu. This displays the Cell Height and Width dialog box.
Make sure the Column tab is selected.
Adjust the Width of Column setting so it says Auto. (A quick way to do this is to type any letter in the setting, then click on the down arrow on the spinner.)
Click on the OK button.

The result is that each of the column widths of the table are set evenly, with the entire table fitting from margin to margin.

Tip #81 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

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Putting Tables Within Margins