WD97: Inserted Table Automatically Formatted with Grid Border (164617)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

This article was previously published under Q164617

SYMPTOMS

When you insert a table using the "Insert Table" toolbar button, the table is inserted with a grid border.

CAUSE

This is a design change in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows. When you insert a table with the "Insert Table" toolbar button, Word automatically applies a 1/2-point grid border by default.

NOTE: There is no way to disable this functionality or to change the applied border size.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, use one of the following methods.

Method 1: Change the Border Formatting of Your Inserted Table

  1. Click the "Insert Table" toolbar button. Drag across the screen to create the appropriate number of rows and columns.

    The insertion point should remain in the first cell of the table.

    For more information about creating a table, click the Office Assistant, type "How do I create a table?," click Search, and then click to view "Create a Table."

    NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If Microsoft Help is not installed on your computer, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    120802 Office: How to Add/Remove a Single Office Program or Component

  2. On the Table menu, click Select Table.

    This will select the entire table.
  3. On the Format menu, click Borders and Shading.
  4. Click the Borders tab. Under Setting, click None, ensure "Apply To" is set to Table, and then click OK.

    This will remove the borders from the table.

Method 2: Use the Table AutoFormat Feature

  1. Click the "Insert Table" toolbar button. Drag across the screen to create the appropriate number of rows and columns.

    The insertion point should remain in the first cell of the table.
  2. On the Table menu, click "Table AutoFormat."
  3. Under Formats, click None, and then click OK.

Method 3: Draw the Table with No Borders

NOTE: Use this method to draw a table. Do not use the "Insert Table" button.

  1. On the View menu, point to Toolbars, and then click Tables And Borders.
  2. On the Tables And Borders toolbar, change the Line Style to None. Then, use the Draw Table button to draw your table rows and columns.
  3. To make the drawn rows and columns even, place the insertion point into one of the table cells. On the Table menu, click Select Table.

    The table will be selected. Then on the Table menu, click "Distribute Rows Evenly". Repeat this step for "Distribute Columns Evenly."

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/14/2000
Keywords:kbprb kbtable kbualink97 kbusage KB164617