Cannot manually drag table column boundaries in Word files created from custom templates that have different left & right page margins

Question

When I edit tables in Word files created from custom templates that have different left and right page margins, I cannot manually drag the table column boundaries to resize columns. The only work-around I could figure out is the following; however, I have to do this for each table. Is there another solution that works better?

1. Add an extra return before table.
2. Open paragraph dialog box with cursor at that return and change left indent from 0” to 0.00”.
3. Now drag table up to that empty return. If ruler is showing, you will notice that all table column widths are now showing (before some of the table columns were going off the left side of the page).
4. Can now drag table column boundaries manually and they will resize as wanted.

Answer 1

If you send me a copy of a document taht was created from one of the templates and which contains a table that you cannot resize without resorting to the work around that you detailed, referencing this thread in the covering email message, I will investigate the issue.

Answer 2

Hi Diane29,

We test on our side, create a custom Word template which have tables> create and edit a file from the custom template. We can’t reproduce the situation as you descripted. Like the below picture.

As you mentioned “edit tables in Word files created from custom templates that have different left and right page margins”. This issue may related the custom templates margins. You can adjust the left and right page margins of the templates to check the result.

If you still need help, in order to help you effectively, could you provide the following information:

1. The screenshot of the version of your Word.

To check version: open Word >File >Account>Product information(Please mask your private information for protecting your private information)

1. Whether only the files created the special templates have this situation?
2. What about insert a new table in the file? Can you drag table column boundaries ?

Regards,

Nina

Answer 3

I am using Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus.

Changing page margins is not an option. And all tables in the file have same issue whether they were already there or are new.

After trying numerous different things, I realized that the issue only seems to come up in files that have comments in them. Once all comments are removed the file, table text boundaries can be dragged to different widths. Otherwise I have to do my work-around or go to table properties and type in column widths I want.

If you want, I can send you 2 versions of the same file--one with comments in it and one without the comments so you can see what I am talking about.

Answer 4

I should add that files do not have to be based on template to have this issue.

1.     Create a new Word file from scratch and add text to 2 pages.

2.     Go to Page Layout and change right margin to .65” and choose “Mirror margins”.

3.     Now add a comment somewhere on first page.

4.     Insert a new table above your comment. You will probably notice that you can drag table column boundaries as you wish in this table.

5.     Now create a new table on your second page (must be after your comment). Your cursor will go in the first cell of table by default and you will notice on ruler at top of the page that it looks like that table column is going off the left edge of the page (which it is not). Now if you try to drag the table column boundaries you cannot do it.

6.     The only way I can move table column boundaries by dragging once tables start having this issue is to do my work-around where I add return before the table, and with cursor at that return, go to Paragraph dialog box and change left indent from 0” to 0.00”. Drag table up to that return. Now you can drag the column width boundaries as you wish again.

Note that if you create a new table on your second page after a paragraph that has an indent (let’s say 1/4”), you will not have this issue as the new table you create will automatically start at that 1/4” indent.

Answer 5

Hi Diane,

Thanks for reporting this issue with detailed steps described. We have tested as well, and the issue can be reproduced in all the latest Office versions including insider version. We will try to report it to the related team for further investigation. This may take several days to get response from them. If we get any new updates, we will post back here to inform you as soon as possible.

Really appreciate your time and effort.

Best Regards,

Rena