Microsoft Word is a powerful word processing tool, but it doesn’t have a direct feature to rotate tables like it does for images or shapes. However, with some creativity and the use of Word’s features, you can achieve this. This blog post will walk you through a simple yet effective method. Let’s dive in!. You can also see video tutorial on this method.
Why Rotate a Table in Word?
Rotating a table can be useful for:
- Adjusting the orientation to fit your document layout.
- Enhancing the visual appeal of your content.
- Accommodating specific design requirements.
This method ensures that the rotated table remains fully editable and doesn’t require exporting to other software like Excel. It keeps everything within Word for a seamless workflow.
Step-by-Step Guide to Rotate a Table in Microsoft Word:
This method involves placing your table inside a text box and then rotating the text box. Here’s how to do it:
- Copy the Table
- Select the entire table by clicking the small square at the top-left corner of the table.
- Right-click and choose Copy or press
Ctrl + C(Windows) /Cmd + C(Mac).
- Insert a Text Box
- Go to the Insert tab.
- Click on Text Box and choose Simple Text Box from the dropdown menu.
- Draw Text Box at the location where you need to rotate table.
- Paste the Table into the Text Box
- Click inside the text box to place the cursor.
- Right-click and choose Paste or press
Ctrl + V(Windows) /Cmd + V(Mac).
- Resize the Text Box
- Adjust the size of the text box to fit the table by dragging its edges.
- Rotate the Text Box
- Click on the text box to select it.
- You’ll see a circular handle at the top of the text box.
- Click and drag the circular handle to rotate the text box to your desired angle.
- Adjust the Position
- Drag the text box to position it correctly within your document.
- Use the alignment tools in the Layout Options menu to refine placement.
- Remove Text Box Borders
- Select the text box, go to the Shape Format tab, and click Shape Outline > No Outline.
- Select the text box, go to the Shape Format tab, and click Shape Outline > No Outline.
Benefits of This Method
- Editability: The table remains fully editable even after rotation.
- No External Software Needed: Unlike other workarounds, this method keeps everything within Word.
- Flexibility: You can easily adjust the table and text box as needed.
Tips for Best Results
- Borders: Ensure the text box borders are set to “No Outline” for a cleaner look.
- Select the text box, go to the Format Shape tab, and click Shape Outline > No Outline.
- Text Wrapping: Adjust text wrapping for the text box by selecting it and clicking on Layout Options. Choose a wrapping style that suits your layout.
Video Tutorial
Conclusion
Rotating a table in Microsoft Word may not be straightforward, but using a text box makes it simple and effective. This method ensures that your table remains editable and avoids the hassle of exporting to other software. With this approach, you can maintain a seamless workflow while creating visually dynamic documents.
Now that you know how to rotate a table in Word, give it a try! Experiment with different angles and layouts to make your documents more dynamic and visually appealing.
FAQs
1. Can I rotate a table without using a text box?
Unfortunately, Word doesn’t support direct table rotation. Using a text box is the most practical workaround.
2. Will the text inside the table rotate as well?
Yes, when you rotate the text box, the entire table and its content will rotate together.
3. Can I edit the table after placing it in a text box?
Yes, you can click inside the text box and make edits to the table as usual.
4. Unable to move text box freely:
To move text box freely, you need to adjust text wrapping correctly. Adjust text wrapping for the text box by selecting it and clicking on Layout Options. Choose a wrapping style like Square or Tight.
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C P Gupta is a YouTuber and Blogger. He is expert in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. His YouTube channel @pickupbrain is very popular and has crossed 9.9 Million Views.