Working with tables in documents

To keep data tidy and clear it helps to write it as a table: shop prices, a weather log, a library list. A table is a set of cells formed by horizontal and vertical lines. Horizontal lines of cells are rows, vertical ones are columns, and where they cross is a cell. In Word a table is made with Insert → Table: you mark the number of rows and columns on the white grid. Cells can hold text, numbers and pictures; Tab (or the mouse) moves to the next cell. We change column width by dragging the border line. To merge cells, select them and choose right-click → Merge Cells. To colour cells use Shading on the Table Design tab. The header row is usually bold and coloured.