Changing Table columns and Rulers

[Norm]

This is a very beginner question on adding Tables to a Word doc.

Using Word 2008.

I'm trying to center a table and change its indents from the margins.

I find that when the cursor changes to the double-arrow one (preparing
to drag column borders) then the horizontal Ruler changes to a different
zero point. With the change in the Ruler, it is very difficult to make
sure the table is centered, the widths of the two columns are the same
and the outside "border indent is how I want it.

I assume I'm doing something wrong.

Thanks for any tips.

 

[CyberTaz]

I'm not sure I'm 100% clear on what you're asking, but it may help if you
use the Table> Table Properties alignment preset for Centered. The Ruler can
be a bit deceptive because it's segmented based on the number of columns.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[Norm]

I'm not sure I'm 100% clear on what you're asking, but it may help if you
use the Table> Table Properties alignment preset for Centered. The Ruler can
be a bit deceptive because it's segmented based on the number of columns.

Sorry. :-(

I'll try again.

After creating the Table, I try to change the columns.

But each time I hover over the columns and the cursor changes so does
the type of horizontal ruler. So it does not stay static so I can work
with original ruler while adjusting column widths etc.

Hope that is better.

Thanks for the help.

 

[CyberTaz]

Sorry. :-(

I'll try again.

After creating the Table, I try to change the columns.

But each time I hover over the columns and the cursor changes so does
the type of horizontal ruler. So it does not stay static so I can work
with original ruler while adjusting column widths etc.

Hope that is better.

Thanks for the help.

I'm sure the failure to understand is on my end, primarily wht you mean by
"outside border indent is how I want it."

At any rate there is no way to prevent the ruler from changing when dealing
with a table. Any time you are active in or select a table both the vertical
& horizontal ruler will automatically change to reflect the respective row
heights & column widths. (They also display exact measurement values if you
hold the Option key while dragging them or the cell borders.) However, if
you use the feature I mentioned, the configuration of the ruler should make
no difference ‹ as your adjustments modify the width of the table it will
dynamically reposition to remain centered between the margins... And far
more precisely than trying to adjust by dragging.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[Norm]

I'm sure the failure to understand is on my end, primarily wht you mean by
"outside border indent is how I want it."

I was trying to say: where I want the table field or outside border to
align compared to the document margin. Do I want them equal from left
and right margin or different and how close. HTH. Sorry.

At any rate there is no way to prevent the ruler from changing when dealing
with a table.

Got it. Don't like the news but understand

Any time you are active in or select a table both the vertical
& horizontal ruler will automatically change to reflect the respective row
heights & column widths. (They also display exact measurement values if you
hold the Option key while dragging them or the cell borders.)

I was hoping I could switch back to what I'd call "normal" ruler view
and make those adjustments. Appreciate this info.

However, if
you use the feature I mentioned, the configuration of the ruler should make
no difference ‹ as your adjustments modify the width of the table it will
dynamically reposition to remain centered between the margins... And far
more precisely than trying to adjust by dragging.

Will do. Sounds like it makes more sense.

BTW, do you experts tend to use one View more than another when
creating/editing a doc?

I think MS change the names in Word 2008 from Word v.X. I think there
was a "Normal" which I would use that was like "Print Layout" but
without the page breaks. I've started to use "Draft" a little and find
it helpful.

Thanks,

Norm H

 

[CyberTaz]

I was trying to say: where I want the table field or outside border to
align compared to the document margin. Do I want them equal from left
and right margin or different and how close. HTH. Sorry.

If you want the table moved away from the left margin but not centered it's
easiest to use the same Table Properties dialog but click the icon for
Around in the Text Wrapping section. Then click the Positioning button & use
the settings there.

Got it. Don't like the news but understand


I was hoping I could switch back to what I'd call "normal" ruler view
and make those adjustments. Appreciate this info.


Will do. Sounds like it makes more sense.

BTW, do you experts tend to use one View more than another when
creating/editing a doc?

I think MS change the names in Word 2008 from Word v.X. I think there
was a "Normal" which I would use that was like "Print Layout" but
without the page breaks. I've started to use "Draft" a little and find
it helpful.

The Normal View in earlier versions is now referred to as Draft View, &
*Print* Layout View was formerly *Page* Layout View (but that varies from
one version of Word to another). Outline View & Notebook Layout View remain
the same, but Web Layout View (available from the View Menu) used to be
called Online Layout View. Publishing Layout View is new in Word 2008.

As for who uses which, I doubt there is a pat answer. Generally, longer more
complex docs are more efficiently handled in Draft/Normal view & Outline
View... Especially if there is any amount of floating object content. Even
those who predominantly use those views for composing/editing will still
have to rely on Print/Page Layout View for layout purposes because those
objects & their impact on flow aren't displayed as well in the other views.
As for Pub Layout & Web Layout ‹ I doubt you will find many professionals
who use either very much. Word is totally unacceptable for web design & Pub
Layout is only adequate for school work & community organizations.

Thanks,

Norm H

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[Norm]

If you want the table moved away from the left margin but not centered it's
easiest to use the same Table Properties dialog but click the icon for
Around in the Text Wrapping section. Then click the Positioning button & use
the settings there.

Got it. Thanks. Will do.

The Normal View in earlier versions is now referred to as Draft View, &
*Print* Layout View was formerly *Page* Layout View (but that varies from
one version of Word to another). Outline View & Notebook Layout View remain
the same, but Web Layout View (available from the View Menu) used to be
called Online Layout View. Publishing Layout View is new in Word 2008.

Appreciate that info and what followed on who uses which is helpful.
Appreciate.