Ever had the frustration of trying to get all the columns in your Google Docs table to be the same width? It can be a pain, right? But fear not, because it’s actually super easy once you know how. In just a few clicks, you’ll have a neatly organized table that looks professional and is easy to read.
Step by Step Tutorial to Get Columns of Equal Width in a Google Docs Table
Let’s dive right in and get those columns looking uniform. By following these steps, you’ll make your Google Docs table much more presentable and easier to work with.
Step 1: Open your Google Docs table
First things first, you need to have your table ready in Google Docs.
Once you’ve got your table open, take a look at it. Are some columns way wider than others? We’re about to fix that.
Step 2: Highlight the columns
Next, you’ll want to highlight the columns that you want to adjust.
Click and drag your mouse across the top of the columns until they’re all selected. You’ll see them highlighted in blue.
Step 3: Right-click on the highlighted columns
After the columns are highlighted, right-click on one of them.
A menu will pop up with a bunch of options, but don’t get overwhelmed. We’re looking for one in particular.
Step 4: Select “Distribute columns”
In the menu that popped up, find and click on the option that says “Distribute columns”.
This is the magic button. Once you click it, Google Docs will automatically adjust the width of the selected columns so they’re all equal.
After completing these steps, your table columns should now all be the same width. If they’re not, just go back and make sure you’ve selected the right columns and that you clicked on “Distribute columns”. It’s a simple process that can make a big difference in how your table is perceived.
Tips for Getting Columns of Equal Width in a Google Docs Table
- When highlighting your columns, make sure you’re selecting the entire column and not just a few cells.
- If you have a lot of columns, you might need to scroll to reach the “Distribute columns” option.
- Remember that “Distribute columns” will make the columns equal based on the widest column you’ve selected.
- You can also use “Distribute rows” to make the rows in your table the same height.
- If your table has merged cells, you might need to unmerge them first to get the columns even.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make columns of equal width in the Google Docs app on my phone?
Yes, you can! The process is pretty similar to how you’d do it on a computer.
What if I only want to adjust some of my columns?
No problem! Just highlight the ones you want to change before right-clicking.
Can I undo the change if I don’t like it?
Absolutely. Just hit the undo button, or press Ctrl+Z (Cmd+Z on a Mac).
Will “Distribute columns” affect the content of my table?
Nope, it’ll just change the size of the columns, not the text or data inside them.
Can I make the columns different widths again after using “Distribute columns”?
Sure can! Just drag the edges of the columns to your desired width.
Summary
- Open your Google Docs table.
- Highlight the columns.
- Right-click on the highlighted columns.
- Select “Distribute columns”.
Conclusion
Creating a table in Google Docs is a breeze, but getting those columns to line up perfectly can be a bit of a head-scratcher. Luckily, with the handy “Distribute columns” feature, it’s a cinch to get your table looking sharp and professional. Just a few quick clicks, and you’re good to go. Whether you’re putting together a report, organizing data, or just like things to look neat and tidy, knowing how to get columns of equal width in a Google Docs table is a skill that’ll serve you well. So go ahead, give it a try. You might just find yourself looking for excuses to create more tables!
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.