Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Keep Your Headings in View.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 28, 2023)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
If you work with long tables, particularly ones that involve many columns, you know it can be confusing to remember what each column is for. To overcome this problem, divide the current document window into panes. Each pane will give you a view of different parts of your document. In the top pane, display the headings for your columns. You may want to make the pane smaller so there is more room to work in the other pane. In the bottom pane, do your table work. In this way you will always be able to see your column headings.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1744) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Keep Your Headings in View.
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!
Once a table is inserted in your document, you can use the mouse to adjust the width of columns. The effect the mouse ...
Discover MoreIf your document contains quite a few tables, you may find it helpful to jump quickly from one table to another. There ...
Discover MoreNeed to make sure that all the cells of a table have something in them? It's easy to do with a handy little macro.
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
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.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here:
Comments