Learn the specifics of creating and editing tables for your career or class. Gain insight into converting tabbed text into a table, creating a table from scratch, and essential tips for working with tables.
Key Insights
- Tabbed text can be easily converted into a table by selecting the text and using the Table > Convert Text to Table feature.
- Tables can be created from scratch by placing the text cursor where the table needs to be inserted and then using the Table > Insert Table feature.
- The number of Rows and Columns for the table can be customized, and there's a distinction between Body Rows and Header or Footer rows.
- Navigation between cells can be achieved using Tab, Shift-Tab, or arrow keys.
- Specific rows, columns, or the entire table can be selected using specific cursor positions and clicks.
- Table data can be reordered by selecting the rows or columns to move, then using the drag and drop feature.
This exercise is excerpted from past InCopy training materials and is compatible with InCopy updates through 2021. To learn current skills in Adobe Creative Cloud and graphic design, check out our graphic design classes in NYC and live online.
InCopy Editing Checklist
-
InCopy shows when you're over or under the layout's text limit.
-
Apply the same styles InDesign defines — don't override locally.
-
Editorial review with redlines visible to both apps.
-
Use Notes panel for layout requests.
Creating & Editing Tables
Converting Tabbed Text into a Table
Select the tabbed text.
Go to Table > Convert Text to Table.
A window will open showing some text to table conversion options. Just click OK.
A new table should now be ready to style and edit.
Creating a Table from Scratch
Put the text cursor
where you want to insert the table.
Go to Table > Insert Table.
-
Enter the number of desired Rows and Columns and click OK.
NOTE: While Body Rows are normal rows, Header and Footer rows are special because they repeat each time the table appears. If a table flows from one text frame to another, the Header row will be at the top of each frame and the Footer row will be at the bottom of each table.
Enter the desired content in the table cells.
Tips for Working with Tables
To move between cells, you can hit Tab and Shift–Tab or use the arrow keys.
To select a column, position the cursor at the top of the column and when you see the down arrow
click once to select the column.
To select a row, position the cursor at the left of the row and when you see the right arrow
click once to select the row.
To select a table, position the cursor at the top left of the table and when you see the diagonal arrow
click once to select the table.
With the cursor in a table cell, press Escape (Esc) to quickly select the table cell. Press Escape (Esc) again to select all the text inside the cell.
-
To reorder table data, select the row(s)/column(s) you want to move. Then hover anywhere except a border and when you see the drag and drop cursor
, drag the selection. Release the mouse when a blue line appears in the desired location, as shown below.
