Creating a Table Using the Keyboard

If you want a quick way to create a table without taking your hands off the keyboard, try this:

That's it. A single step, and you have a quick and simple table. Of course, it is only a single-row table, but it is a starting point for your table. You can also create the table by using the vertical bar instead of plus signs.

If you want the columns of your table to be wider, simply separate the plus signs or vertical bars with dashes. For instance, you could type a plus sign, ten dashes, another plus sign, and press Enter, and you would have a table with a wider column.

If this tip does not work on your system, there are two possible reasons. In some of the latest versions of Word, you need to place at least one space between each plus sign or each vertical bar. If you try this and the tip still doesn't work, you may have the feature turned off. To make sure the feature is enabled, follow these steps if you are using a version of Word prior to Word 2007:

1. Choose AutoCorrect (or AutoCorrect Options) from the Tools menu. Word displays the AutoCorrect dialog box.
2. Make sure the AutoFormat As You Type tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. Make sure the Tables check box is checked.
4. Click on OK.

If you are using Word 2007 then you can follow these steps:

1. Click the Office button, and then click Word Options. Word displays the Word Options dialog box.
2. Click Proofing at the left side of the dialog box, and then click AutoCorrect Options. Word displays the AutoCorrect dialog box.
3. Make sure the AutoFormat As You Type tab is displayed.
4. Make sure the Tables check box is checked.
5. Click on OK.