Aligning Table Columns in Word for Windows (52071)

SUMMARY

Uneven table column widths can be vertically aligned (so that all table cells have the same width) in Microsoft Word for Windows by using one of the following methods:

Word version 6.0, 7.0, 97

In Word for Windows versions 6.0, 7.0, and 97, you can align columns by doing the following:

1. With the insertion point in a table, do one of the following:
   
   
   1. Position the mouse pointer over the column boundary. When the mouse pointer changes to a double vertical bar, two headed arrow, drag the column boundary to the right or left, or double- click the column boundary to automatically resize the column.
   2. Point to the column marker on the horizontal ruler above the column boundary you want to adjust. When the pointer changes to a horizontal two headed arrow, hold down the mouse button. Word will display a dotted line that can be dragged right or left.

Word version 2.x

In Word for Windows version 2.0, follow the steps below:

1. To align columns using a mouse, do the following:
   
   
   1. Position the insertion point in the cell to align. From the Table menu, choose Select Column.
   2. Click and drag the appropriate gray "T" marker on the ruler until the columns of cells are the correct width.
2. To align columns using the keyboard:
   
   
   1. Select the entire column by pressing the SHIFT+ARROW keys.
   2. From the Table menu, choose Column Width (ALT+A, W).
   3. Type a measurement for the width of the column.

Word version 1.x

In Word for Windows version 1.x, follow these steps:

1. To align columns using a mouse, do the following:
   
   
   1. Select the column cells or the entire column to align.
   2. Click the ruler view button (|_|_|) on the Toolbar so that the table cell markers appear as "T"s on the ruler.
   3. Click and drag the appropriate column or table cell marker until the column of cells is the appropriate width.
2. To align columns using a keyboard, do the following:
   
   
   1. Select the entire column by pressing the SHIFT+ARROW keys.
   2. Press ALT T, A to bring up the Format Table dialog box.
   3. Enter the column width in the Width Of Column box and select the Apply To Selection check box if it is not already selected.