side by side tables, each in its own section?

[JustSomeGuy]

I need to make two tables appear side by side for a certain form layout, and
I need to be able to protect just ONE of the two tables (because it contains
form field check boxes.)
I can make two tables appear side by side by inserting a column break after
table 1, forcing table 2 to the top right side of the page.

However, to protect portions of a document, each portion must be isolated in
its own section...and all attempts to insert a continuous section break
between the two tables, merely overrides the column break, forcing the two
tables to display one above the other.

Is there any way to get 2 tables to appear side by side, while having just
one of the two tables be protected?

 

[Tony Jollans]

This can be done but it is very fiddly to set up and maintain.

Create your first table as you wish with the Form Fields,

Place a continuous section break after it. Then add your second table in the
second section on the same page.

Now grab the (second) table by its handle and pull it out of the text flow
(or go to Table Properties and select "Around" for wrapping) to somewhere on
the page below and/or right of where it was. It will be anchored to the
first paragraph in the section but the anchor won't show. Be careful not to
move it outside the section or Word will most likely anchor it to a
paragraph in the other section but you won't see any indication of this.

Size the (second) table as you wish and go to Table > Properties > Table tab
and click on Positioning and enter horizontal and vertical alignments
(vertical will be negative) to get the table where you want. Depending on
exactly what you're dong you may also want to uncheck "Move with text".

If you now Protect for Forms with section 1 protected and section 2 not you
should have as you ask.