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: Quick Recall of Table Formats.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 22, 2022)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
If you find yourself using a specific table over and over again, you can save yourself a lot of time by storing the table as an AutoText entry. To do this, follow these steps:

Figure 1. The Create New AutoText dialog box.
When you want to later use the table, simply type the name you specified in step 3 and press the F3 key. The table will be inserted in the place of the table name.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1798) 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: Quick Recall of Table Formats.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
Want to move a column in a table very easily? You can do so by using the same editing techniques you are already using.
Discover MoreWord includes a powerful feature that allows you to add footnotes and endnotes to your document. What if you want them at ...
Discover MoreIf you have a lot of tables in your documents, you might want to change the width of all of them. You can take forever ...
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 © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments