How to Convert a Table to Text in Word

To convert a table to text in Word, click anywhere in the table, select the Table Layout tab (called Layout in some versions) and choose Convert to Text. Pick what should separate the contents of each cell, such as Tabs or Commas, and select OK. The table disappears and its contents become normal text, with each row on its own line.

Applies to: Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2024, 2021, 2019 and 2016 on Windows and Mac. Word for the web can’t convert tables; see the workaround below. Last reviewed October 7, 2026.

Convert the whole table

1. Click inside the table. Two extra tabs appear: Table Design and Table Layout.
2. Select Table Layout > Convert to Text in the Data group.
3. Under Separate text with, choose:
   • Paragraph marks: every cell becomes its own line.
   • Tabs: cells in each row are separated by tabs, keeping columns roughly lined up. The most common choice.
   • Commas: cells are separated by commas, useful for pasting into a spreadsheet or another app.
   • Other: type any character, such as a semicolon or a vertical bar.
4. If the table has tables inside it, tick Convert nested tables.
5. Select OK.

On a Mac, select Table Layout > Convert > Convert Table to Text.

Convert only some rows

Select the rows you want to convert, then choose Convert to Text. Word splits the table, converting the selected rows and leaving the rest as a table. You can only convert whole rows, not individual columns or cells.

Line up the columns after converting

When you choose Tabs, longer entries can push the columns out of line. Select the converted text and add tab stops at the right positions: click on the ruler, or use the Tabs dialog. See how to set multiple tabs in Word.

Convert text back into a table

1. Select the text. Make sure each row is a separate paragraph and the columns are separated by the same character.
2. Select Insert > Table > Convert Text to Table.
3. Check the number of columns and the separator, then select OK.

Word for the web workaround

1. Select the table and press Ctrl + C.
2. Click where you want the text and press Ctrl + V.
3. Select the Paste Options button and choose Keep Text Only.
4. Delete the original table.

Cells end up separated by tabs or line breaks, depending on the browser.

Keep the table but make it look like text

If you only want to hide the grid, you don’t need to convert anything. Select the table, then Table Design > Borders > No Border. The layout stays exactly the same, without lines. This is often neater than tab-separated text, especially when cells contain several lines.

Troubleshooting

Convert to Text is greyed out

The cursor isn’t inside a table, or the “table” is actually tab-separated text or a picture. Click inside a cell and check that the Table Layout tab appears.

The text runs together with no separation

The separator option was set to Other with no character. Press Ctrl + Z and convert again with Tabs.

Cells with several lines got split up

Paragraphs inside a cell stay as separate paragraphs after converting. Use Commas or Other so you can see where each cell ended, then tidy up.

Frequently asked questions

Does the text keep its formatting?

Yes. Fonts, bold, colors and links stay. Table formatting, such as shading, borders and column widths, is lost.

Can I undo the conversion?

Press Ctrl + Z straight away. Later, use Convert Text to Table with the same separator to rebuild it.

How do I get a Word table into Excel?

You don’t need to convert it. Select the whole table, copy it, and paste it into Excel; each cell lands in its own Excel cell.

Related guides

• How to sort a table in Word
• How to insert a Word document into another Word document

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