Changing Spacing Between Table Cells

Word contains a very powerful table editor, which allows you to create very complex tables. Normally, Word does not add any additional space between the cells in a table. You can manually adjust the amount of space, however. Word 97 allows you to adjust the space between columns, while later versions of Word allow you more control over cell spacing. If you are using Word 97, follow these steps:

1. Select the entire table. (You can choose Select Table from the Table menu.)
2. Choose Cell Height and Width from the Table menu. This displays the Cell Height and Width dialog box.
3. Make sure the Column tab is selected.
4. Adjust the Space Between Columns setting, as desired.
5. Click on OK.

If you are using Word 2000 or later versions, you can set the spacing on all sides of a cell. Follow these steps:

1. Right-click anywhere within the table you want to format. Word displays a Context menu.
2. Choose the Table Properties option from the Context menu. Word displays the Table Properties dialog box.
3. Make sure the Table tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
4. Click on the Options button at the bottom of the dialog box. Word displays the Table Options dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
5. Make sure the Allow Spacing Between Cells check box is selected.
6. In the control to the right of the check box, specify how much space to leave between cells.
7. Click on OK to close the Table Options dialog box.
8. Click on OK to close the Table Properties dialog box.