Centering tables in Word is a nifty trick that can make your documents look more polished and professional. It’s a simple process that involves just a few clicks and can be done in a matter of seconds. Whether you’re creating a report, a project, or just organizing data, centering your tables can help your document stand out. Here’s how to do it:
Step by Step Tutorial on Centering Tables in Word
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to know that centering a table in Word will align it in the middle of the page, making it look more balanced and easier to read. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Select the table
Click anywhere inside the table you want to center. This will highlight the table and show the Table Tools.
Selecting the table is crucial because it tells Word which part of the document you want to alter. Make sure you click inside the table to avoid any accidental changes to other parts of your document.
Step 2: Click on the "Layout" tab
Once the table is selected, the Table Tools will appear at the top of Word. Click on the "Layout" tab within the Table Tools.
The Layout tab contains various options for adjusting the appearance and positioning of your table. By accessing this tab, you’ll find all the tools you need to center your table.
Step 3: Find the "Cell Size" group
In the "Layout" tab, look for the "Cell Size" group of options. It’s usually found towards the middle of the ribbon.
The Cell Size group has options related to the size and scaling of your table and cells. This is where the magic happens when it comes to centering your table.
Step 4: Click on "Properties"
Within the "Cell Size" group, find and click on the "Properties" button.
The Properties option opens a new window where you can adjust various settings for your table, including alignment.
Step 5: Choose the "Table" tab in the Table Properties window
In the Table Properties window that pops up, click on the "Table" tab.
This tab specifically focuses on the settings that affect the entire table, rather than individual cells or rows.
Step 6: Under "Alignment," click on "Center"
Under the "Alignment" section in the "Table" tab, you’ll see options for aligning your table to the left, center, or right. Click on "Center."
By clicking on Center, you’re telling Word to align the table in the middle of your page. It’s as simple as that.
Step 7: Click "OK" to apply the changes
After selecting "Center," click "OK" at the bottom of the Table Properties window to apply the changes.
Once you click OK, you’ll see your table move to the center of the page. If it doesn’t look quite right, you can always go back and adjust the settings again.
After completing these steps, your table will be neatly centered on the page. This can give your document a more professional appearance and make it easier for readers to focus on the information you’re presenting.
Tips for Centering Tables in Word
- Ensure you’re working in Print Layout view to see how the table will actually appear on the page.
- If your table is too wide after centering, consider adjusting the column widths to fit the page better.
- Remember that centering the table won’t affect the alignment of the text inside the cells, which you may need to adjust separately.
- Use the "Preview" button in the Table Properties window to see how your changes will look before applying them.
- If you have multiple tables to center, you can repeat these steps for each one, or select all the tables at once and center them together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I align the text within the cells after centering the table?
To align the text within the cells, select the cells you want to align, go to the "Home" tab, and use the alignment options in the "Paragraph" group to align the text to the left, center, or right.
Can I center a table horizontally and vertically on the page?
Yes, you can also center a table vertically by going to the "Page Layout" tab, clicking on "Margins," and selecting "Custom Margins." In the Page Setup window, go to the "Layout" tab and under "Vertical alignment," choose "Center."
What if the "Center" option is grayed out in the Table Properties window?
If the "Center" option is grayed out, ensure that your table is not set to "Float over text." You can change this in the "Table" tab in the Table Properties window by unchecking the "Text wrapping" option.
Will centering the table affect the page margins?
No, centering the table will not affect the page margins. It will only align the table within the existing margins.
Can I center a table in Word Online?
Yes, you can center a table in Word Online by following similar steps. However, the interface may look slightly different than in the desktop version of Word.
Summary
- Select the table
- Click on the "Layout" tab
- Find the "Cell Size" group
- Click on "Properties"
- Choose the "Table" tab in the Table Properties window
- Click on "Center" under "Alignment"
- Click "OK" to apply changes
Conclusion
Centering tables in Word is a breeze once you know the steps. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your documents. With just a few clicks, you can transform a plain table into one that’s neatly centered and more visually appealing. Remember, it’s not just about making your table look good; it’s about making sure your information is presented in the clearest and most effective way possible. So next time you’re working on a document in Word, take a moment to center your tables—it might just be the finishing touch that your work needs.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.