Word 97 Table Borders

In older versions of Word, when you inserted a table (using the Insert Table command), the table appeared without any fanfare and without any formatting applied. Word 97, by contrast, inserts tables with borders turned on. This is disturbing to many users, and represents a major departure from older Word versions. Unfortunately, there is no way to turn off this feature--i.e., to insert tables with borders turned off.

Sources at Microsoft indicate that the inclusion of automatic borders may end up as a selectable option in future versions of Word. If you want to make your feelings known one way of the other, you can write to WriteMe@microsoft.com. Mail sent to this address is processed by the Office Content Team; it is their "wish list" address.

As an alternative to using the convenient Insert Table command, you can use the new draw-a-table feature on Word 97. You can utilize this by following these steps:

1. Click on the Tables and Borders icon on the toolbar (the one just to the left of the Insert Table icon). Word displays the Tables and Borders toolbar and switches you to Page Layout view (if you are not using Page Layout view already).
2. Click on the Border drop-down list and set it to No Border.
3. Use the Draw Table tool to define the outside borders of your table.
4. Use the Draw Table tool to draw the columns and rows into the table.
5. Close the Tables and Borders toolbar.