Converting text to a table in Word 2013 is a useful skill that can help you organize your data better. It’s a simple process that involves selecting the text you want to convert and using the ‘Insert’ tab to create a table. Follow along, and you’ll be making tables like a pro in no time!
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Convert Text to Table in Word 2013
Before you start, make sure your text is prepared correctly. It should be separated by tabs, commas, or another consistent separator to ensure the table columns are correctly aligned. Now, let’s dive into the steps.
Step 1: Select the Text
First, highlight the text you want to convert.
When you highlight the text, make sure you don’t miss any part of it. Otherwise, it might not convert properly. It’s also a good idea to double-check that your separators are consistent throughout the text.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Insert’ Tab
Next, click on the ‘Insert’ tab at the top of the Word document.
The ‘Insert’ tab is where you’ll find all the options for adding different elements to your document, including tables.
Step 3: Click on ‘Table’
Then, click on the ‘Table’ button within the ‘Insert’ tab.
You’ll see a drop-down menu with different options for inserting a table. For this task, we’re interested in converting text, so keep following along.
Step 4: Select ‘Convert Text to Table’
From the ‘Table’ menu, select ‘Convert Text to Table.’
A dialog box will appear with different settings for your table. This is where you can choose how many columns and rows you want and what you want to separate the text with.
Step 5: Adjust the Settings
In the dialog box, adjust the settings according to your preference, then click ‘OK.’
Make sure to choose the correct separator (tabs, commas, etc.) so that your text aligns properly in the new table. You can also decide on the number of columns and rows, and the table’s width.
After completing these steps, your text will be neatly organized into a table format. You can then further format the table to suit your needs, such as adjusting the border style, row height, and column width.
Tips: How to Convert Text to Table in Word 2013
- Ensure your text has consistent separators before converting it to a table.
- Preview the table in the dialog box to make sure it looks correct before clicking ‘OK’.
- Remember you can undo the action if the table doesn’t look right, and try again.
- Use the ‘Design’ and ‘Layout’ tabs under ‘Table Tools’ to format your table after conversion.
- If your text is in a list format, consider using the ‘Convert Text to Table’ feature to maintain the list sequence in the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my text isn’t separated by tabs or commas?
If your text doesn’t have tabs or commas, you can still convert it to a table. You’ll need to select the appropriate separator in the ‘Convert Text to Table’ dialog box, such as spaces or another consistent character used in your text.
Can I convert a table back to text?
Yes, you can convert a table back to text by selecting the table, clicking on the ‘Layout’ tab under ‘Table Tools,’ and then choosing ‘Convert to Text.’
How many columns and rows can I create?
The number of columns and rows depends on how your text is separated and the amount of content. Word will automatically determine the number of rows based on the text you’ve selected.
Can I add more rows or columns to the table after it’s created?
Absolutely! You can add more rows or columns by right-clicking on the table and selecting ‘Insert’ to choose where to add them.
Will converting text to a table affect the formatting of my text?
The basic formatting of your text will remain, but you may need to adjust the table’s formatting to ensure it looks the way you want it to.
Summary
- Select the text.
- Click on the ‘Insert’ tab.
- Click on ‘Table’.
- Select ‘Convert Text to Table’.
- Adjust settings and click ‘OK’.
Conclusion
Being able to convert text to a table in Word 2013 is a handy trick that can make your documents look more professional and organized. It’s a quick and straightforward process that can save you loads of time, especially when dealing with large chunks of data. Just remember to check that your separators are consistent, and always preview the table before finalizing the conversion. With a bit of practice, you’ll be creating tables from text like it’s second nature. So go ahead, give it a try – your documents will thank you for it!
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.