Resizing Columns

There are several options available when you resize table columns, depending on whether you select a border directly in the table or a column marker in the topic ruler. When you resize columns from the ruler additional options (such as holding down the SHIFT, CTRL, or ALT key) can be used to refine your choices.

Resizing from the table:

You can resize table columns by moving the cursor in the table over the column border until it becomes a double-headed arrow. Using this method you can resize the columns either side of the border without changing the table table width.

To Change Column Width from the Table:

1. Position the cursor in the table you want to format.
2. Position your cursor at the edge of the column, until the cursor changes to a pointer, then click and drag the column until it is the desired size.

   Remember that:

   • The table columns will be the same width in your published outputs as they appear in the Editor.
   • In your printed output, the left margin of the table will match the paragraph directly above the table, so you may want to choose a different style for that paragraph with the left margin setting that you want.
3. Save your changes.

Resizing from the ruler:

When you resize columns from the ruler there are several options you can choose.

To Change Column Width from the Ruler:

1. Ensure the ruler is displayed by choosing View > Display > Ruler.
2. Position the cursor in the table you want to format.
3. Drag a column marker on the ruler to resize the column:
   • Hold down CTRL to resize the column to the left of the marker, and change the total width of the table accordingly. (The same action occurs if no key is held down.)

     

   • Hold down ALT and drag a column marker on the ruler to resize the column to the left of the marker, and change the total width of the table accordingly. While you are resizing the column the ruler displays the width measurement for each column.

     

   • Hold down SHIFT and drag a column marker to resize the columns on both sides of the marker. Using this option the overall width of the two columns does not change, only the distribution ratio of the selected columns.

     

   • You can also combine behaviors by holding down SHIFT and ALT. This action displays the column measurements while resizing the columns on both sides of the marker (without changing the total width of the table).
4. Save your changes.