Save Custom Table Properties

Question

In Word for Mac (2011) I've created a table with specific custom properties.  I need to be able to create new (blank) tables using these identical properties, inserting new data into each new table.  Is there a way to "save" my custom table properties to use again ~ other than copy/paste?

Answer 1

Defining a table style "by example" (like you can do with a formatted paragraph) does not work. You need to define the style from scratch, using the style dialog box.

Once a table style is created, you can define other styles based on it, and you can do it as well using the predefined table styles.

I found that some settings (like Last Column and Total Row)  don't work, even using Word's predefined styles. For instance, applying the predefined style Table Grid 1 does not cause the last row and the last column to become italicized.

Answer 2

I have tried both of the above suggestions (using an existing table or creating a new one) but, unfortunately, did not have any success with either.  In fact, the software actually locked up and "force quit" was the only way to exit the action/software.

Thank you for the response.

Answer 3

OK - well then there is an entirely different soft of problem. Please post a new question detailing the exact steps you took to cause Word to lock up. In this case the new question will be something like: How do I fix Word locking up when I [whatever step you tool that caused the lockup]

Answer 4

Yes, in Word you can create table styles.

Click into a table, then from the Format menu choose Style to open the Style dialog.

If you want to modify an existing table style, click the List pop-up to All Styles, choose one, and then click the Modify button.

If you want to create your own table style, click the New button and in the New Style dialog change the Style Type to table. To store your table style in your local Normal template click the Add to Template button. Notice your table is automatically added to the Quick Style list.

A full discussion on styles can be found inthis reference book.