How do I set up default paragraphs in tables

[liondog]

My text disappeares at the end of a cell within Tables. The fix is to to to
Paragraphs and re-set the insert to 0". For some reason it is defaulted to
an indent. I've tried hitting the DEFAULT button after resetting to 0", but
it never "defaults." I have to reset it again and again as I work through
the table (sometimes, but not always, I'm able to highlight a group and set
it to 0" and it works).

Help. I have Office 2007. Had the same problem with Office 2003.

 

[Stefan Blom]

Are you using table styles? Note that you'll probably find it easier to
format the text of table cells by applying the appropriate *paragraph*
styles to text.

--
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP


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[liondog]

Stefan;
What is "table styles"? I use tables all the time (make my own). Is this
something new in 2007? I am still struggling to find everything in the 2007
version.
liondog

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Table styles were new in Word 2002. Word 2000 offered Table AutoFormats, and
you could select your default (favorite) one, but Word 2002 allowed you to
actually define a specific AutoFormat, which includes formatting for top and
left rows, first cell, last cell, striping, etc. But see
http://www.shaunakelly.com/word/tablestyles/index.html

 

[liondog]

But I custom make all my tables, since I don't want to be locked into any
particular style that can't be manipulated as I change my mind during the
processing. Is there any place in preferences where I can eliminate all
automatic indents (in all my documents)?
liondog

 

[Stefan Blom]

Table styles are always present (in much the same way that every paragraph
has a paragraph style) from Word 2002 and later versions. The default table
style is usually Table Grid (but note that this can also be changed).
Therefore, I suggest that you verify its settings, as described below.

With the insertion point inside a table, click the Table Tools: Design tab
on the ribbon. Click the bottom right arrow in the list box with table
formats (styles). Under "Plain Tables," you'll see the Table Grid style.
Right-click it, and then click Modify Table Style.

In the Modify Style dialog box, click Format, Paragraph. Set the indents to
zero. Click OK. You may also want to verify that the cell margins (Format,
Table Properties) are set to zero. When you are done, click OK. Finally,
click OK to close the entire dialog box. Does this help?

Note that the modification must be done separately for each document. If the
problem occurs with the normal.dotm template, you could just rename it (with
Word closed); a fresh file with factory default settings will be created the
next time you start Word.

--
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP


in message

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

I have Table Normal selected as my default table style, which is a big help.

 

[Stefan Blom]

Good idea, since Table Normal cannot be modified (and is the "parent" of
most other table styles).

--
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP


in message

 

[Stefan Blom]

It seems, however, as if Table Normal can not be set as the default style in
Word 2007. :-(

--
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP


in message

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Bummer!

 

[Greg Maxey]

Stefan,

It can be set as the default table style for an individual document
but while all indications that that choice is being saved to the
normal.dotm it doesn't stick.

To set it as default for a document. First use Apply Styles and type
in Table Normal. That will insert a Table Normal table and add the
style to the Table Styles Gallery. You can then set it to default
(with options to save it to the template that don't seem to work) :-(

 

[Stefan Blom]

in message

Stefan,

It can be set as the default table style for an individual document
but while all indications that that choice is being saved to the
normal.dotm it doesn't stick.

True. :-(

 

[Greg Maxey]

Stefan,

It seems that even this is only temporary. Table Normal can be set as the
default style in the current instance of the open document but if I close
and reopen the document it again fails to stick :-(

 

[Stefan Blom]

Hmm, I wonder if this means that we are seeing a design change (rather than
a bug)? If so, it seems as if we are not supposed to use Table Normal at
all.

--
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP


in message