dragging to resize columns

[Carole]

Can anyone explain why dragging lines between columns in
a table (with the goal of resizing the columns) functions
so inconsistently? I click and hold the line then drag to
where I'd like it. On occasion I get the expected result,
but more often:

1. nothing happens and the columns remain the same size
2. the column is resized but in a completely different
way that I wanted (results have been both wider and
narrower than I've asked for)
3. the whole table grows wider or narrower

I'm using Word 2003 and have tried turning on and off
different variables such as predefined table width (both
as a measurement and a percent of page size). Auto
resizing options are disabled. I've also try to block the
columns on either side before dragging. But I cannot find
any patterns to the outcomes, and most of the time do not
end up with the result I need. There may be some relief
to be had by entering column widths numerically, but I
would rather not have to invest this kind of time when I
wish to polish the look of a table.

Thanks.

 

[macropod]

Hi Carole,

In general, when dragging column borders, Word aligns them according to the
dimensions specified as the horizontal grid size on the Drawing toolbar.
Using that toolbar, you can change the grid dimensions and/or turn the 'snap
to grid' feature off. Minimum column widths are also controlled via the
table setup, under Table|Table Properties|Options.

Cheers

 

[Carole]

Thanks for your feedback. I don't think the particulars
you mention here are involved with what I'm seeing,
though. The outcomes for any particular effort to resize
are wholly unpredictable; in some cases, such as when an
effort to drag and drop the column edge results in no
change it size whatsoever (and yes, I have the mouse
cursor positioned correctly as evidenced by the change to
the resizing pointer), I will just repeate the action 5-6
times and then eventually it "takes." Other times, I have
a column of, say, 1 inch, and try to drag it just a hair
narrower, but when I release the drag and drop the column
is suddenly three inches wide (while the table as a whole
becomes two inches narrower).

I guess I'm hoping that someone could confirm that they
find this process equally erratic when they try to
mangage tables with a high level of precision. Perhaps my
expectations for this component of the program are too
high.

 

[macropod]

Hi Carole,

If you've tried my previous suggestions and had no joy, it could be that the
table and/or the columns and/or particular cells have 'preferred' width
and/or automatic width settings that are in conflict. Try changing those
settings (starting with preferred width of the table) and see if that
improves things.

Cheers

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

This can be extremely frustrating in Word 2000 and above. If there is a
"preferred width" for a cell, then you can't change the "preferrred width"
for the column it's in (via Table Properties), so dragging the column
borders can be the only way to achieve the desired result, but that can be
quite inexact. Sometimes the only solution is to go back to the Word 97
Table | Cell Height and Width dialog (see
http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/TblsFldsFms/TablePropProbs.htm).

For information on the effects of dragging column borders in combination
with various control keys, see
http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/TblsFldsFms/TableBasics.htm (though it's usually
easier to figure these out by trial and error than to try to remember
them--unless you use tables more than I do).