Table Layout and Data Presentation

Tables are the most effective way to present structured data. Mastering table layout makes data more professional and readable.

8.1 Creation and Basic Operations

Inserting Tables

1. “Insert” → “Table” → “Insert Table”
2. Enter number of rows and columns
3. OK

Basic Editing

• Move between cells: Tab (forward), Shift+Tab (backward)
• Add rows: Right-click row → “Insert Rows Below”
• Delete columns: Right-click column → “Delete Columns”
• Merge cells: Select multiple cells → Right-click → “Merge Cells”
• Split cells: Right-click cell → “Split Cells”

8.2 Table Formatting Design

Five Key Steps to Beautify Tables

1. Apply Table Style

Click table → “Table Design” → “Table Styles” → Choose preferred style

2. Adjust Row Height and Column Width

Point to row boundary → Double-click to auto-adjust OR drag to manually adjust

3. Set Header Format

Header row typically uses dark background + white text Operation: Select first row → Table Design → “Options” → Check “Header Row”

4. Data Alignment

• Numbers: Right aligned (easier to compare)
• Text: Left aligned (more readable)
• Headings: Center aligned

5. Borders and Shading

• Borders: Clear black or light gray lines
• Shading: Row numbers can use light gray background (easier to read)

8.3 Complex Table Layout

Row and Column Spanning Tables

Some tables need merged cells to express complex hierarchical relationships.

Using Formulas in Tables

WPS and Word both support inserting simple formulas in tables (like sum).

Operation (WPS):

1. Click cell for formula
2. “Table” → “Formula”
3. Enter formula (e.g., =SUM(B2:B4) for sum)

8.4 Common Table Layout Errors and Fixes

Error	Cause	Fix
Table displays abnormally across pages	Row height too large	Right-click table → Table Properties → Check “Allow row to break across pages”
Table content exceeds page	Too many columns or too wide	Adjust column width, font size, or use landscape orientation
Header doesn’t repeat on new page	Didn’t set repeat header row	Table Design → Options → Check “Header Row”
Cell content not fully displayed	Row height too small	Double-click row boundary to auto-adjust or manually increase height

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Next: Chapter 9: Image-Text Mixing and Visual Optimization