Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Entering Tabs in a Table.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated January 9, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
When you are entering text in a table, some of the keyboard keys don't function as they do when you are working in the body of your document. One of those keys is the Tab key. If you press Tab, the insertion point moves to the next cell in the table, or if you are at the end of the table, it creates a new row.
There may be times, however, when you want a tab character in the table's text. In order to insert a tab, you can use either of these methods:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (12932) 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: Entering Tabs in a Table.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
Tables are a great way to organize information in a document. For some editing needs, you may want to create a new ...
Discover MoreWhen you insert a table into your document, it uses a standard-weight line around each cell in the table. If you want to ...
Discover MoreWant to get rid of information within a table, but not the table itself? Here's a guide to understanding the effects that ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2021-03-22 13:06:58
Hello,
I have tried both the options you suggest but neither work. What am I doing wrong?
I'm on Windows 10 and using Microsoft Word version 2019. I have created a table with 2 columns and lots of rows. I type at the beginning of the first column, then press the tab key and it takes me to the beginning of the second column. Great so far. Then I want to type at a point further along the second column. I use the space bar to get to the point where I want the tab. I then tried both your suggestions (Press Ctrl+Tab. and hold down the Alt key as you type 0009 on the numeric keypad). However, in both cases, when I tested them and pressed tab, it just took me from the start of the second column straight to the beginning of the first column of the row below.
Please help! Thank you.
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here:
Comments