Designing tables - how it works in Word

In Microsoft Excel as well as in Word you have the possibility to summarize data in tables. You can then customize the layout of the tables using either pre-made styles or custom styles.

Designing a table with style sheets in Word

Once you have created a table in Word or Excel and filled it with data, you can design it using either the stored table style sheets or a custom template.

1. Click in any column or row within the table you want to customize to select it.
2. Once you have selected the table, the table tools will appear in the ribbon. Switch to the Design tab to see the table format templates.
3. Hover your mouse over the templates and you will automatically get a preview. If you like a format, simply left-click the template to apply it to the table.

You can change the template again at any time without having to create a new table for it.

Create your own template: How to find the function

You can also create your own table format templates using the table tools.

1. Click in an existing table or create one to access the table tools.
2. Switch to the "Draft" tab and click the "More" button by the table format templates.
3. Select the "New Table Style Template..." option and specify how you want the table to look.
4. Finally click "OK".

Your self-created templates can also be found in the Table Style Templates under the "Custom" category.