Deleting Cells

Summary: You can modify the structure of a table by deleting cells. This tip shows just how easy it is to delete one (or more) cells from the middle of a table. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, Word 2003, and Word 2007.)

Word contains a very powerful table editor that allows you to create very complex tables. If desired, you can delete individual cells in your table, even though such an action would make the table asymmetrical. To delete a cell, follow these steps if you are using a version of Word prior to Word 2007:

Position the insertion point in the cell you want to delete.
Choose Delete from the Table menu, then choose Cells. (In Word 97 you simply choose Delete Cells from the Table menu.) Word displays the Delete Cells dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
Select which way you want the cells to be adjusted.
Click on OK.

If you are using Word 2007, then you'll need to follow these steps:

Position the insertion point in the cell you want to delete.
Choose the Layout tab of the ribbon. (This tab is only available when you are working in a table.)
Click Delete from the Rows & Columns area of the ribbon, then choose Delete Cells from the resulting drop-down menu. Word displays the Delete Cells dialog box.
Select which way you want the cells to be adjusted.
Click on OK.

Tip #1766 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

Add a Professional Finishing Touch! Word includes great tools that allow you to add professional-grade finishing touches to your documents. You can add indexes, tables of contents, and other special tables by using the detailed information available in this volume.

Check out WordTips: Indexes and Special Tables today!

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Deleting Cells