table does not move as text changes in word

[seanvan]

I need to include tables in a word document. I create my table within the
body of the document (I have also copied tables in from other documents).
When I add one or more new lines of text prior to the table the table will
move into the middle of the next line of text instead of miving all text
below the table. If the table is left justified the trailing text ends up to
the right of the table, if centered the line of text gets split on either
side. This also happens when I delete lines below the table. The only
solution that I've found so far is to extend the column widths so that the
table goes from one margin to the next. This is a problem if there are only 2
or 3 columns and each one contains 4 or 5 characters. I have tried going to
the table properties/positioning and selecting move with text and unselecting
the overlap option. This helps with the text if its added prior to the table
but not if its deleted after the table. This occurs in Word 2007 and 97/2003
documents

 

[gr8auntieokie]

If your table isn't running from margin to margin, I might suggest that you
insert a textbox in a paragraph of your document where you want to the table
to appear, then insert the table(s) you need inside the textbox. Then you can
wrap the text of your document around the textbox by formatting the textbox
(rather than the table) to ride in-line with the text or to sit in front of
or behind the document text, according to however you want it.

Cyndie Browning
Software Support Specialist
GableGotwals
Tulsa, OK

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

If text is already wrapping around the table (as it appears) then the table
is already "floating" or wrapped. It may be that the OP wants the table to
be inline (in which case, the setting needs to be changed on the Table tab
of Table Properties). It is all too easy to inadvertently nudge the table
handle, with the result that the table become wrapped.

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
http://word.mvps.org

 

[gr8auntieokie]

Suzanne, I'm not sure I understand you.... can a table "float" if it's _not_
in a textbox??

Cyndie Browning
Software Support Specialist
GableGotwals
Tulsa, OK

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Yes, beginning in Word 2000, tables can be "wrapped." If you open a Word
2000-2003 document with a wrapped table in an earlier version, it will be in
a frame, and wrapped tables do behave largely like frames. In Word 2000,
wrapped tables can't break across pages, but in Word 2002 and 2003 they can
break (there's a Compatibility Option governing this), so it can be hard to
see (without going to the Table Properties) that the table is wrapped.

Where the problem arises is that if you move the table, either by
intentionally dragging it to another location or by inadvertently nudging
the table handle, it becomes wrapped, and most people don't realize this.
This can definitely be a problem in a document where the ability to break
across pages is disabled, so the wrapped table just extends off the bottom
of the page!

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
http://word.mvps.org

 

[gr8auntieokie]

Even tho' our firm switched to Word 2000 in Aug '01, I guess I've never
encountered the "wrapped" table phenomenon... and now I'm glad I didn't!!
Anyway, now I know, so thanks for the detailed explanation. That helps a lot.
~

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

You're quite welcome.

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
http://word.mvps.org

 

[seanvan]

Thank you for the help. I didn't know that a table could be wrapped. I have
adjusted the properties and everything is fine.

Thanks again
Sean