Is there a way to set a default so that gridline borders
are on when a new table is created?
.
When inserting a table, click "AutoFormat." Sounds like
your default may be set to "Table Normal." Change it
to "Table Grid," then click the "Default" button. It'll
query you whether or not you want it for just that
document or to be placed in the Normal template. You'll
of course want Normal template.