Tables

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Formatting Text & Media Tables

As a general rule, the Tables tool in the sidebar is better at formatting tables than creating them. Use the Canvas rich content editor to create new tables and modify their structure (add/remove rows and columns, merge cells, etc). Then fine-tune your tables with the DesignPLUS sidebar. 

The DesignPLUS Table tool includes options to adjust table, row, and column size, as well as to add column headers and footers, row headers, row hover effects, column sorting, and other features that will make your tables attractive and accessible. There's also a utility to convert tables to columns in cases where tables were used as a means of formatting non-tabular data.

Tips for Tables

  • Tables should only be used to present data organized into rows and columns. Do not use tables to lay out text and images on a page. Instead, use the Column tool found in the Add New Element tab.
  • To ensure accessibility, all tables should have a head row, a head column, or both.

Instructions

Format an existing table

These instructions assume you have already created the table in the Canvas rich content editor.

  1. Select the Edit Current Element  ( ) tab in the sidebar.
  2. Place your cursor within the table or the specific row, column, or cell you want to modify.
  3. Choose Table as the active tool:
    Table Tool
  4. Use the Content panel to adjust the text alignment, width, or height of the entire table, a specific row or column, or a specific cell. 
    Table: Content Panel
     
    First, place your cursor in the table, row, column, or cell you want to change. Then:
    1. Select what part of the table you wish to change: Table, Row, Column, or Cell.
    2. Use the alignment grid to choose your preferred text alignment (left/center/right and top, middle, bottom) for the selected part of the table.
    3. Use the Width and Height fields to set the width and height for the selected part of the table. Width values can be entered in pixels, percent, or ems. Cell height can be specified in pixels or percentages only.
    4. Click the X Width or X Height buttons to clear custom width or height settings from the selected part of the table (i.e., entire table, row, column, or cell).
    5. Use the Delete ( ) icon to remove the selected part of the table (i.e., the entire table, row, column, or cell).
    6. Or, click to convert the entire table to flexible columns.
  5. Use the options in the Style panel to select the Base Style for the table and the Border Style.
    Table Tool: Style Panel
     
  6. Use the Structure options in the Advanced panel to designate structural elements in your table or add a caption (important for accessibility). Note a column header or row header is required for accessibility. With the choices under Other Options, you can enable advanced table features such as striped rows, row hover, column sorting, etc.
    Table Tool: Advanced Panel
     

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