Designing Standard Tables

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 19, 2019)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003

As you already know, when you create 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:

Create your standard table, as desired. Make sure it is formatted as desired, and that it includes any standard text.
Select the entire table.
Press Alt+F3. The Create AutoText dialog box appears. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The Create AutoText dialog box.

Provide a name for your standard table.
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.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (863) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. Learn more about Allen...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Drawing a Curve

Ever wonder how to add a curved line to your document? With a little practice, adding curves is simple. Here's how.

Discover More

Creating a Chart

Creating a graphic chart based on your worksheet data is easy. Excel provides the Chart Wizard to guide you through your ...

Discover More

Allowing for Prefixes and Suffixes in Find and Replace

Excel includes a rather simplistic find and replace capability. If you have more complex needs, you'll need to seek out ...

Discover More

Do More in Less Time! An easy-to-understand guide to the more advanced features available in the Microsoft 365 version of Word. Enhance the quality of your documents and boost productivity in any field with this in-depth resource. Complete your Word-related tasks more efficiently as you unlock lesser-known tools and learn to quickly access the features you need. Check out Microsoft 365 Word For Professionals For Dummies today!

More WordTips (menu)

Tables within Tables

Inserting a table in a document is easy. Did you know that you can also insert a table within another table? Word allows ...

Discover More

Creating Tables with Specific Column Widths

Create a table and Word figures out column widths by dividing the horizontal space by the number of columns you want in ...

Discover More

Rounded Table Edges

Tables can be a great addition to many documents, as they allow you to arrange and present information in a clear and ...

Discover More

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

Notify me about new comments ONLY FOR THIS TIP

Notify me about new comments ANYWHERE ON THIS SITE

Hide my email address

What is 6 - 1?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

This Site

Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.