Element 4 Creating tables LEARNING OUTCOMES 1 Insert

Element 4 Creating tables

LEARNING 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 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 following 1. Cell _____ a. data that runs horizontally in a table. 2. Table _____ b. data that runs vertically in a table. 3. 4. Column Row _____ c. intersection of a row and a column in a table. _____ d. display of data that contains rows and columns

CUSTOMISE 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 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 formatting.

MANIPULATING ROWS AND COLUMNS • 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: • 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 FORMATTING 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