Introduction to Tables in InDesign

Overview

This lecture explains basic and some advanced techniques for creating, editing, and formatting tables in InDesign software.

Introduction and Use of Tables

• Tables are essential for displaying data in columns and rows in websites, brochures, menus, etc.
• Tables are created from a special menu available in InDesign.
• Tables are placed inside text frames.

Creating and Editing Tables

• To create a table, click Create Table from the Table menu.
• Enter the number of body rows, header rows, and columns in the dialog box.
• Clicking on the page creates the table across the entire area; dragging allows creating a table of desired size.

Table Editing and Formatting

• The header row usually contains titles, and the rest contain data.
• For cell sizing, select rows/columns, right-click, and choose Distribute Evenly.
• The Escape button can be used to select the entire cell.
• Text alignment (left, center, right; top, center, bottom) can be changed.
• Font type, size, and boldness can be changed.
• Cell background and text color can be changed as desired.

Changes in Table Structure

• Two or more cells can be merged or unmerged.
• Entire or selected borders can be removed or changed.
• View > Screen Mode > Preview can be used to show/hide non-printing guide lines.
• Different border styles (such as dotted) and thickness can be set.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Table — a way to organize data in columns and rows.
• Header Row — the row in the table containing main titles.
• Body Row — the normal data rows of the table.
• Cell — the smallest box in the table where data is written.
• Merge Cell — to combine two or more cells.
• Border — the lines between the cells of the table.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Prepare table styles for the next class.
• Practice creating and formatting tables.