Be able to edit a table and its contents including insert row(s) and column(s), delete row(s) and column(s), merge cells

ICT 0417 – Layout

Objective

Be able to edit a table and its contents, including inserting rows and columns, deleting rows and columns, and merging cells.

Key Concepts

• Tables are used to organise data in rows and columns.
• Each table consists of a <thead> (header) and a <tbody> (body).
• Editing a table involves structural changes (rows/columns) and formatting changes (merging cells).

Sample Table

The table below will be used for all examples.

Inserting Rows

1. Place the cursor in the row above or below where the new row is required.
2. Use the command Insert → Row Above or Insert → Row Below.
3. A blank row is added; fill in the required data.

Inserting Columns

1. Select a cell in the column next to where the new column should appear.
2. Choose Insert → Column Left or Insert → Column Right.
3. The new column inherits the formatting of the surrounding columns.

Deleting Rows

1. Select the entire row(s) to be removed (click the row header or drag across the cells).
2. Click Delete → Row.
3. The selected row(s) disappear and the table contracts.

Deleting Columns

1. Select the column(s) you wish to delete.
2. Choose Delete → Column.
3. All data in the selected column(s) is removed.

Merging Cells

Merging combines two or more adjacent cells into a single larger cell.

1. Select the cells you want to merge (they must be contiguous and in the same row or column).
2. Click Table Tools → Merge Cells (or right‑click and choose Merge Cells).
3. The content of the upper‑left cell is retained; other contents are discarded.

Practical Example: Merging the Header Cells

To create a single heading that spans all four columns:

1. Select the four header cells in the <thead> row.
2. Choose Merge Cells.
3. Enter the new heading text, e.g., “Stationery Order”.

Resulting Table After Editing

Summary Checklist

• Insert rows/columns where additional data is needed.
• Delete rows/columns to remove unnecessary information.
• Merge cells to create headings or combine related data.
• Always verify that calculations (e.g., totals) are updated after structural changes.