Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 8, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
There may be times when you want to convert an existing table into text. To do this, follow these steps:
Figure 1. The Convert Table to Text dialog box.
Depending on your version of Word, you may have noticed, in step 4, that there are actually two Layout tabs on the ribbon. This is because when you selected the table in step 1, Word automatically added two context-appropriate tabs to the ribbon—the Table Design and Layout tabs. It is this second context-appropriate tab (Layout) that you want to select in step 2.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (9227) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Converting a Table into Text.
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Want to move a column in a table very easily? You can do so by using the same editing techniques you are already using.
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