Element 4Element 4

Creating Creating

tablestables

LEARNING OUTCOMESLEARNING OUTCOMES

• 1. Insert basic table into a word processing document using the correct procedures.

• 2. Appropriately customise cell attributes to meet

formatting and data requirements. • 3. Insert and delete columns and rows as

necessary.

• 4. Appropriately use formatting tools according to organizational requirements.

INSERT BASIC TABLEINSERT BASIC TABLE

• A table displays information in rows and columns.

• Rows run horizontally and columns run

vertically.

• The place at which a row and column intersects is called a cell and its position a cell address.

• Data or other information is entered in these cells.

• Tables are a very effective tool for presenting information.

• The table layout organises the information for the reader and significantly reduces the number of words he/she have to read to interpret the data.

• You should use tables whenever it is appropriate so as to make your documents easier to read.

Match the followingMatch the following

1. Cell __________ a. data that runs horizontally in a

table.

2. Table __________ b. data that runs vertically in a table. 3. Column __________ c. intersection of a row and a column in a table.

4. Row __________ d. display of data that contains rows and columns

CUSTOMISE CELL ATTRIBUTESCUSTOMISE CELL ATTRIBUTES

• Having inserted a basic table into your document you may have to customize the cell attributes to meet formatting and data requirements.

• For example, a cell that holds someone’s full name would need more space than the column holding his age.

Below are some terms/functions Below are some terms/functions with which to become familiar:with which to become familiar:

• Split cells: to divide a cell into additional rows or columns. • Merge cells: the join of more than one cell, so they appear as one. • Use text direction: to alter the orientation of text in a cell. • Insert cell: to insert cell in a table. • Delete cell: to delete cell from table. • Select cell: to choose a text for formatting.

MANIPULATING ROWS AND MANIPULATING ROWS AND COLUMNSCOLUMNS

• In constructing a table many manipulations may be necessary.

• As in other applications you will also have to edit your table which means you may have to add or delete cells in your table.

• You may find that you need or no longer need a row or column.

• This means that you must learn the mechanics of manipulating rows and columns very well in order to function efficiently.

You must know how to:You must know how to:

• Insert a column in its appropriate section of a table.

• Insert a row in its appropriate section of a table.

• Delete a column from a section of a table.

• Delete a row from a section of a table.

BORDERS AND OTHER BORDERS AND OTHER FORMATTING TOOLSFORMATTING TOOLS

• Several formatting tools are available to enhance the readability and clarity of your document.

• These features give you the advantage of deciding how best to present a table in a document.

• The applications available are: • Borders • Shading • Auto format