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Word document - table within a table no longer able to uncheck "Automatically resize to fit contents"

Anonymous
2024-12-13T17:09:03+00:00

This last update of word (Version 2410 (Build 18129.20200)) seems to have removed the ability to uncheck "Automatically resize to fit contents" when you have a table within a table. I don't see a release note giving a reason why or even mentioning it.

I have tried using the AutoFit > Fixed Column Width but that doesn't seem to matter. Every time I try to adjust an extra long text cell to a different width, it snaps it back automatically to the width the application is determining.

Setting different styles has no effect either. Is there a workaround or will this be fixed in the next release?

The parent table has Automatically resize to fit contents unchecked. The child parent has it grayed out with the box [-] grey as checked. I can't attach a picture for some reason so can't show a screenshot, but the general structure is below simplified

Example:

This is my table within a table and when I have really long text it doesn't let me force the width on this cell <br> ---
Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For business | Windows

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  1. Stefan Blom 340.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2024-12-13T18:24:23+00:00

    Thanks for the follow-up.

    Long words are a special challenge for many table cells. Often, you have to hyphenate these words to get an acceptable look.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-12-13T18:15:26+00:00

    Ya, it sort of works and then seems like when I go to adjust again it jumps back. I think in your example above your words are short enough that if the word breaks then it will allow you to shift to the smallest word (nested in your instance) and then won't after that. Unfortunately for my use case, it's a long no space word.

    I submitted a report through the app like you mentioned - thanks for responding.

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  3. Stefan Blom 340.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2024-12-13T17:53:27+00:00

    I had a bit more luck, when I tested this, but the results are not perfect.

    My basic example is a single-column table nested within a larger table. The table width is 80% (and the column width in the nested table is 100%).

    You can send feedback directly to the Microsoft developers via Help > Feedback.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-12-13T17:29:46+00:00

    Unfortunately doesn't seem to effect it.

    Tried parent table 100%

    Tried child table 100%

    Tried cell, but as soon as I move the cell it still jumps back to what it wants. https://app.screencast.com/mel9XqueyX273

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  5. Stefan Blom 340.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2024-12-13T17:16:03+00:00

    As a workaround, try setting the width of the nested table to 100%.

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