Centering a table in Word 2010 is a piece of cake. All you need to do is select the table, go to the ‘Layout’ tab under ‘Table Tools’, and click on ‘Properties’. From there, choose the ‘Table’ tab, click on ‘Center’, and voila! Your table will be perfectly centered on your page.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Center a Table in Word 2010
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s get one thing straight: centering a table in Word 2010 is all about making your document look polished and professional. Whether you’re working on an essay, a report, or a presentation, a well-placed table can make all the difference. Now, let’s get to it.
Step 1: Select the Table
Click on the table that you want to center.
When you click on the table, you’ll see a new set of tabs at the top of Word – these are the ‘Table Tools’. Make sure you’re working within these tools to make changes to your table.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Layout’ Tab
Click on the ‘Layout’ tab under the ‘Table Tools’ section.
The ‘Layout’ tab is where all the magic happens when it comes to adjusting the design and position of your table. Keep your eyes peeled for the ‘Properties’ button – that’s your next stop.
Step 3: Click on ‘Properties’
Find and click on the ‘Properties’ button within the ‘Layout’ tab.
The ‘Properties’ button is usually located on the far left of the ‘Layout’ tab. It’s a small, unassuming button, but it holds the key to centering your table, so don’t overlook it!
Step 4: Choose the ‘Table’ Tab
In the ‘Table Properties’ window, select the ‘Table’ tab.
Once you’ve opened the ‘Table Properties’ window, you’ll see a few different tabs at the top. You’re looking for the one labeled ‘Table’ – it’s typically the first tab.
Step 5: Click on ‘Center’
Under the ‘Alignment’ section, click on ‘Center’.
In the ‘Table’ tab, you’ll find an ‘Alignment’ section near the bottom. This is where you can choose to align your table to the left, right, or center of your page. Go ahead and select ‘Center’.
After completing these steps, your table will be centered on the page. It’s a simple change, but it can make your document look much more professional and organized.
Tips for Centering a Table in Word 2010
- Make sure your cursor is in a cell within the table you want to center; otherwise, you won’t be able to select the ‘Table Tools’.
- If your table is particularly wide, you might need to adjust the margins of your page to ensure the table fits after being centered.
- Remember that centering the table refers to its horizontal position on the page – if you want to change the vertical position, you’ll need to adjust the spacing before and after the table.
- If you’re working with a table that spans multiple pages, centering will apply to each page individually.
- You can also center the contents of the cells within the table by highlighting the cells and using the ‘Center’ text alignment button.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the ‘Table Tools’ don’t appear?
Click within the table again, and the ‘Table Tools’ should show up. If not, try closing and reopening your document.
Can I center a table in Word 2010 if it’s already filled with data?
Absolutely! The data in your table won’t be affected by centering it on the page.
Will centering my table affect its formatting?
No, centering the table will only change its position on the page, not the formatting within the table itself.
What if I want to center the table on the page vertically as well?
To center a table vertically, you will need to adjust the spacing before and after the table in the ‘Page Layout’ tab.
Can I use these steps to center a table in other versions of Word?
While the interface may look slightly different, the general steps should be similar across different versions of Word.
Summary
- Select the Table
- Go to the ‘Layout’ Tab
- Click on ‘Properties’
- Choose the ‘Table’ Tab
- Click on ‘Center’
Conclusion
Centering a table in Word 2010 is a breeze once you know where to look. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your document. With just a few clicks, you can take your tables from drab to fab, ensuring they’re perfectly positioned to catch your reader’s eye. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a beautifully formatted document? So, go ahead and give it a try – your tables (and your readers) will thank you!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.