Picking a Contiguous Range of Table Cells

Summary: Creating a table in Word is a relatively simple task. When you want to format or edit information in the table, often the first step is to select the cells you want to affect. Word provides several techniques you can use to select those cells. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, Word 2003, and Word 2007.)

There are many times when you are working with tables in Word and you need to select a range of cells. This is very easy to do using the keyboard, the mouse, or a combination of both.

The first step in selecting a range of cells is to place the insertion point in the first cell in the range. With this done you are ready to proceed.

Using the keyboard, you can hold down the Shift key as you use the navigation keys (up, down, left, and right arrows) to extend the range.
Using the mouse, you can click on the first cell and hold down the mouse button as you drag the mouse to extend the range.
Using the keyboard and mouse, you can hold down the Shift key as you click on the cell that defines the opposite corner of the range you want selected.

Tip #874 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

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Picking a Contiguous Range of Table Cells