Deleting a table in PowerPoint 2013 is a simple task that can be completed in just a few clicks. To remove a table, simply click on the table to select it, then press the “Delete” key on your keyboard. The table will be immediately removed from your slide.
After deleting a table, the content that was in the table will be gone, and you’ll have more space on your slide for other elements or content.
Introduction
When it comes to creating presentations in PowerPoint 2013, tables are a common feature used to organize and display data in a clear and concise manner. However, there may be times when you need to delete a table from your slide. Perhaps the data is no longer relevant, or maybe you just want to make room for other content. Whatever the reason, it’s important to know how to remove a table without affecting the rest of your slide.
Deleting a table in PowerPoint 2013 is a straightforward process that anyone can do, regardless of their level of experience with the program. Whether you’re a student, a business professional, or just someone who uses PowerPoint for personal projects, understanding how to delete a table is a useful skill to have. It allows you to keep your presentations looking clean and professional, and ensures that your slides contain only the most pertinent information.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Delete a Table in PowerPoint 2013
Before we jump into the steps, let’s clarify what this tutorial will help you accomplish. By following the steps below, you’ll be able to remove a table from your PowerPoint slide quickly and efficiently.
Step 1: Open Your PowerPoint Presentation
Open the PowerPoint presentation that contains the table you want to delete.
When you open your presentation, navigate to the slide that contains the table you wish to remove.
Step 2: Select the Table
Click on the table to select it.
You’ll know the table is selected when you see a border around it, with small squares or ‘handles’ at the corners and sides.
Step 3: Delete the Table
Press the “Delete” key on your keyboard.
Once you press “Delete,” the table will disappear from your slide.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| More slide space | Deleting a table frees up space on your slide, allowing for a cleaner design or additional content. |
| Focus on relevant content | Removing unnecessary tables can help to keep the audience’s attention on the most important information. |
| Simplifies slide content | A slide without a table can be less cluttered and easier to understand, especially if the table was dense with data. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Loss of data | Deleting a table will remove all the data it contained, which might be irreversible if not backed up. |
| Potential for error | If you accidentally delete the wrong table, it can disrupt your presentation’s flow. |
| Need for manual adjustment | After deleting a table, you may need to manually adjust the layout of your slide to fill the empty space. |
Additional Information
When working in PowerPoint 2013, tables can be a powerful tool for presenting data. But sometimes, less is more. Deleting a table can give your slide a cleaner look and make your presentation appear more polished. However, before you go on a deleting spree, it’s wise to consider whether you might need that data in the future. Always make sure to have a backup of your original slide or presentation before making any irreversible changes.
One handy tip is to convert your table data into a different format before deleting it. Maybe a graph or chart would be a more effective way to present that information? Also, remember that deleting a table doesn’t mean you cannot add it back later. PowerPoint’s “Undo” function can be a lifesaver if you remove something by mistake.
Remember to save your presentation after deleting the table to ensure your changes are secured. And finally, if you’re collaborating with others on a presentation, communicate any significant changes like the deletion of tables to avoid any confusion.
Summary
- Open your PowerPoint presentation.
- Navigate to the slide with the table.
- Click on the table to select it.
- Press the “Delete” key to remove the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a table after I’ve deleted it?
If you haven’t closed your PowerPoint presentation, you can usually recover a deleted table by clicking “Undo” or pressing “Ctrl + Z” on your keyboard.
Will deleting a table also delete the text in it?
Yes, deleting a table will remove all content within it, including text, images, or other data.
Can I delete a table in PowerPoint without using a keyboard?
Yes, you can also delete a table by right-clicking on it and selecting “Cut” or “Delete” from the context menu.
If I delete a table by mistake, can I recover it from a previous version?
If your PowerPoint file was saved to a location that supports version history, like OneDrive, you might be able to recover a previous version of the file with the table intact.
Is it possible to delete just a part of the table instead of the whole thing?
Yes, you can select specific rows or columns within the table and delete those without removing the entire table.
Conclusion
Deleting a table in PowerPoint 2013 is a breeze once you know how. Just a few simple clicks and you can declutter your slide, making sure that only the most relevant information is front and center for your audience. It’s important to remember that once deleted, the information is gone unless you’ve taken steps to back it up or you undo the deletion immediately.
So, always double-check before hitting that delete button! With your newfound knowledge, you can now confidently manage tables in your PowerPoint presentations, ensuring they always look their best.
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.