Table ‘repeat header row’ not working

Question

Using Word for Mac 2016 the header row on my table doesn't repeat. When I highlight the header row and select Table Properties

• Row - and check Repeat header rows, nothing changes.

Answer 1

I was finally able to fix the repeat header problem. The suggestion from Doug Robbins led me to the answer.

I was checking in the Table Properties to see if Text Wrapping = None was enabled (it was). I then noticed that I could look at Cell Properties as well. With only the header row highlighted, I checked the Cell Properties and then clicked on the Options button. I noticed that the option for Wrap Text was checked. I disabled it and saved the change.

I then went back to the Row Properties and rechecked the option for "Repeat as header row at the top of each page". I saved the change and that was it. The header appeared at the top of each page!

I hope this helps others with the same problem. Thanks to Doug and to Rich for their help.

Answer 2

Are you displaying hidden characters so you can see if somehow the table is split? Repeating header rows only work when there are contiguous table rows that span more than one page. The Show Hidden characters is a toggle button on the Home tab. It has a pilcrow ¶ for the icon.

What is your version of Office 2016? Is is up-to-date with patches?

Answer 3

Thanks for the quick reply.

1. The table is not split. I did check using Show Hidden Characters
2. My version is Microsoft Word for Mac, version 16.19 (181018). It's the download from my Office 365 subscription.

I've had this same problem before with other tables in Word. Figured that this time, I find out exactly what the problem is

TIA

Answer 4

In the Table>Properties dialog, the table is probably set to have the text in the document wrap around it.

This is the dialog from Word on a Windows Computer, but there is probably something similar on a Mac.

Answer 5

There is an equivalent in Word for Mac, and it's set for Text Wrapping = None, as you've suggested:

...but I was finally able to fix the problem. I'll explain how in the next post.