Designing Standard Tables

As you already know, when you insert a table in Word, it adds a set border of one-half point around each cell in the table. If your "standard" table is different from what Word thinks it should be, however, you may be up a creek, since Word doesn't allow you to define what a standard table should look like.

If you have a "standard" table that you use over and over again in your document, there is a way around this problem. Remember, however, that a "standard" table (by this definition) will always have the same number of columns and rows and be exactly the same as every other standard table. (Of course, you can modify your standard table once it is inserted in your document.)

I've found that the easiest way to create your standard table is through the use of the AutoText feature. (I know that you can create table styles, but I find them less than easy at times.) All you need to do is follow these general steps if you are using a version of Word prior to Word 2007:

1. Create your standard table, as desired. Make sure it is formatted as desired, and that it includes any standard text.
2. Select the entire table.
3. Press Alt+F3. The Create AutoText dialog box appears. (Click here to see a related figure.)
4. Provide a name for your standard table.
5. Click on OK.

If you are using Word 2007 then follow these steps:

1. Create your standard table, as desired. Make sure it is formatted as desired, and that it includes any standard text.
2. Select the entire table.
3. Press Alt+F3. The Create New Building Block dialog box appears. (Click here to see a related figure.)
4. Provide a name for your standard table in the Name field.
5. Using the Gallery drop-down list, choose Tables.
6. Click on OK.

Your standard table is now created. To use the table, simply type the name you entered in step 4, and then press F3. The table appears in your document.