Step-by-Step Guide: Moving a Table in Microsoft Word

Step-by-Step Guide: Moving a Table in Microsoft Word

When working on a Word document, you might carefully format it as you go. However, sometimes you may need to rearrange elements, such as images, objects, or, in this case, tables.

If you decide your table would be more effective in a different spot, don’t worry—it’s easy to move it. We’ll guide you through a couple of methods to relocate your table. Once it’s moved, you might also need to tweak the surrounding text. Let’s get started!

Dragging a Table to a New Location

The simplest way to move a table in Microsoft Word is by dragging it. This method allows you to place the table almost anywhere.

1. Click anywhere on the table to select it.
2. Look for the small table handle in the top-left corner of the table.
3. Click and hold the handle, then drag the table to the desired location.

As you drag, the entire table and its contents will be highlighted, making it easy to see where it will go.

Drag the table handle to move the table. As you do, you’ll see a dotted outline so that you can release when you find the right spot.

This method works best if you’re moving your table a short distance or within a few pages.

Using Cut or Copy and Paste to Move a Table

Dragging a table might not always be practical—especially if you need to move it a long distance, like from page 20 to page 10. In such cases, the cut or copy and paste method is more efficient.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Select the entire table by clicking the table handle in the top-left corner.
2. Right-click on the table and choose Cut or Copy from the menu. Alternatively, you can use the Cut or Copy button in the Clipboard section of the Home tab.

• If you choose Cut, the table will be removed from its original location.
• If you choose Copy, a duplicate of the table will remain in its original spot.

Once you’ve cut or copied the table, place your cursor where you want the table to appear, then paste it.

Position your cursor in the spot where you want to insert the table. Then, do one of the following:

• Right-click and select Paste from the menu.
• Use the Paste button located in the Clipboard section of the Home tab.

Your table will appear in the new location, ready for any further adjustments.

This method provides a simple way to relocate your table without the hassle of dragging it through multiple paragraphs or pages.

Adjusting the Table with Surrounding Text

Once your table is in its new spot, you might need to tweak how it interacts with the surrounding text. You can either wrap the text around the table or keep the table in a separate space for clarity.

Here’s how:

1. Select the table.
2. Right-click on it and choose Table Properties from the menu.
3. Adjust the text wrapping settings to suit your layout needs.

This ensures your document looks polished and well-organized.

In the Table Properties window, go to the Table tab.

At the bottom, you’ll find the Text Wrapping options:

• Choose None to keep the table and text separate, with each staying in its own space.
• Select Around to wrap the text neatly around the table.

Pick the option that works best for your document layout!

If you select “Around”, you’ll have the option to fine-tune the table’s placement.

Click the “Positioning” button to:

• Set an exact position for the table relative to the paragraphs or page margins.
• Adjust the distance between the table and surrounding text.
• Enable the option to move the table along with the text as the document changes.

This gives you greater control over the table’s layout and ensures it fits seamlessly into your document.

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