Converting a Table Into Text

Summary: Tables are great for some layouts, but for others you may need regular text. You can convert a table into text very quickly using the selections from the Table menu described in this tip. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, and Word 2003.)

There may be times when you want to convert an existing table into text. To do this, follow these steps:

Select the entire table you want to convert to text.
If you are using Word 97, choose the Convert Table to Text option from the Table menu. If you are using a later version of Word, choose Convert from the Table menu, then chose Table to Text from the resulting submenu. Either way Word displays the Convert Table to Text dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
Select the appropriate character that Word should use to separate the columns of text.
Click on OK.

Tip #1169 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

Step Up and Take Control! Subscribers to WordTips know just how valuable a resource it is. WordTips Premium provides twice the number of exceptional, easy-to-understand tips every week in an ad-free newsletter, as well as substantial discounts on WordTips archives and e-books.

Check out WordTips Premium today!