The table resize handle and the table four arrow cursor tool option are missing from the tables created in word. As a result, I cannot Cut the Table or Drag the table to the desired size.

Question

The table resize handle and the table four arrow cursor tool option are missing from the tables created in Word. As a result, I cannot Cut the Table or Drag the table to the desired size.

Answer 1

Hello Michael R,

I'm Shalom and I'd happily help you with your question. In this forum, we are Microsoft consumers just like yourself.

Here are some steps to troubleshoot this problem:

1. Check the Table Selection: Make sure you have selected the entire table. Click anywhere inside the table, and you should see a "Table Tools" tab in the ribbon. This tab provides various table-related options.
2. Table Options: Within the "Table Tools" tab, go to the "Layout" tab. Look for the "Table" group, and check if the "Select" dropdown menu is set to "Select Table." This should ensure you have the entire table selected.
3. Ensure Table Layout Options: In the "Layout" tab, you can click on the "Table Properties" button. In the "Table Properties" dialog box, go to the "Table" tab. Ensure that the "Table behavior" section doesn't have the "Allow row to break across pages" option selected, as this can sometimes affect table handling.
4. Try Another Document: Sometimes, document-specific issues can occur. Try creating a new document and inserting a table to see if the issue persists. If it doesn't, the problem might be with the specific document.
5. Restart Word: Close and reopen Microsoft Word. Sometimes, temporary glitches can be resolved by restarting the application.
6. Repair Microsoft Office: If the issue continues, you can try repairing your Microsoft Office installation. To do this, go to "Control Panel" > "Programs" > "Programs and Features" (Windows) or "Applications" (Mac), and then right-click on Microsoft Office. You should find an option to repair the installation.
7. Check for Compatibility Mode: Ensure that your document is not in Compatibility Mode, as this can limit some functionality. To check, go to the "File" tab and look for information about the document's compatibility mode.

If none of the above solutions work, please provide more specific details about your issue, such as the version of Microsoft Word you are using and any other relevant information, so that I can offer more targeted advice.

Best Regards, Shalom

Answer 2

Make sure you're in Print Layout view; the table handle does not appear in Draft view.

Answer 3

Hello Shalom,

I appreciate the detailed instructions. I tried each suggestion, however, unfortunately, none of the suggestions resolved the issue. I also made sure I was in Print Layout.

I'm using the 2013 Microsoft Word version. Below is a screenshot image of the table without options selector (Cross Icon), as it appears on my screen.

Below is an image I found online of how it should appear with the options selector (Cross Icon) on the upper left, and the drag options selector on the bottom right.

Other than that, I'm not sure what other details I could provide.

The good news, the malfunction is not a deal breaker, as I can still edit the table by highlighting the entire table as opposed to clicking the table option selector. Also, I could not drag the table, I had to edit each column and row manually.

I thank you in advance for any other suggestions you may think of.

Thank you.

Michael R.

Answer 4

Is the document saved in the most recent *.docx file format?

Also, since you are running Office 2013, maybe the two icons are not (fully) supported that version. I don't remember.

The screen shot below is from my installation of Office 2021, with the table handle (cross icon) showing, as well as the resize table icon.

Answer 5

Hello Michael,

Unfortunately, I don't have any further troubleshooting to offer.

There are many knowledgeable users active on the forum and I hope that someone else can offer further insight into your issue.

Thanks Shalom