Converting Text to a Table

Learning Outcomes

  • Convert existing text into a table.

Let’s say you already have some data, but it’s not in a table yet. Is there an easy way to put the data in a table without having to type everything again? Yes, there is! Let’s look at the example below.

A Microsoft Word document is open with 5 lines of text visible.

Here, information is separated by tabs. Select the information, then go to the Table menu and choose Convert Text to Table to turn this data into a table.

A Microsoft Word document is open with 5 lines of text visible. All five lines have been highlighted in gray showing they have been selected.

A Microsoft Word document is open with 5 lines of text visible. All five lines have been highlighted in gray showing they have been selected. A new dropdown menu is coming down from the table tab allowing to select the height and width of the new table that is being created.

A convert text to table dialog box is open.

Notice that you can use other things to separate your text and still get a clean table, such as paragraphs (the Enter key) or commas. You can also enter your own character in the Other box.

When you’ve finished choosing settings, hit OK to convert the text to a table.

A Microsoft Word document is open with a table on it. The table has five different rows and two individual columns.

Practice Question