Wrapping text around a table in Google Docs can be a game-changer for your document’s layout and design. It’s a simple task that can be accomplished with a couple of clicks. You’ll need to insert your table, adjust the table properties, and voila – your text will gracefully wrap around the table, providing a professional look to your document.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Wrap Text Around a Table in Google Docs
Before we dive into the steps, let’s set the stage. You’ve got a table in your Google Doc and an untamed block of text sitting above or below it. Your goal? To make that text flow around your table like water around a rock. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Insert your table
Start by inserting the table into your document where you want the text to wrap around it.
When you insert a table into your Google Doc, it will initially act as a separate element from your text. Don’t worry; this is just the first step in the process.
Step 2: Right-click on the table
Once your table is in place, right-click on it to access the table properties.
Right-clicking on the table will bring up a menu with various options. For wrapping text, we’re interested in the table properties, which will allow us to change how the table interacts with the text.
Step 3: Select ‘Table properties’
In the menu that appears, click on ‘Table properties’ toward the bottom.
This will open a new window where you can adjust several aspects of your table, including its alignment, border size, and, most importantly for us, text wrapping.
Step 4: Choose the ‘Wrap text’ option
In the table properties window, find the ‘Text wrapping’ section and choose ‘Wrap text.’
After selecting ‘Wrap text,’ you’ll notice additional options become available, allowing you to customize the margin around your table. This determines how close the text will appear next to the table.
Step 5: Adjust the margin as needed
Adjust the margin to set the distance between the text and the table, then click ‘OK’ to apply the changes.
The margin is the buffer space between your table and your text. If you want the text to be snug against the table, go for a smaller margin. If you’re aiming for a bit more breathing room, increase the margin.
After completing these steps, your text will now wrap around the table, giving your document a polished and organized appearance.
Tips: Wrapping Text Around a Table in Google Docs
- Always preview the document after wrapping text around a table to ensure it looks as intended.
- Consider the readability of your document; too tight a wrap can make the text hard to read.
- Use the ‘Undo’ function (Ctrl + Z) if the text doesn’t wrap as expected and try adjusting the properties again.
- If your document will be viewed on different devices, check the formatting on mobile and tablet views as well.
- Remember that you can always go back and adjust the margin if the initial setting isn’t quite right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wrap text around a table in Google Docs on mobile?
Yes, you can wrap text around a table in the Google Docs mobile app, though the process may differ slightly from the web version.
What happens if my table is too big to wrap text around it?
If the table is too large, the text will not wrap properly. Consider resizing your table or reducing the text around it.
Can I wrap text around multiple tables in the same document?
Absolutely! Just repeat the process for each table you want to wrap text around.
How do I remove text wrapping from a table?
To remove text wrapping, go back into ‘Table properties’ and select ‘None’ under the ‘Text wrapping’ options.
Can I customize the amount of space between the text and the table?
Yes, you can adjust the margin in the table properties to increase or decrease the space between the text and the table.
Summary
- Insert your table
- Right-click on the table
- Select ‘Table properties’
- Choose the ‘Wrap text’ option
- Adjust the margin as needed
Conclusion
Mastering how to wrap text around a table in Google Docs can elevate your documents from good to great. It’s a skill that might seem small, but it has a big impact on how your work is perceived. A well-formatted document can make all the difference, whether you’re putting together a report, a resume, or a creative project. The steps we’ve discussed are straightforward and can be easily replicated, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Remember, it’s all about making your document work for you and your audience. With this new trick up your sleeve, you’ll be able to create documents that not only convey your message but also do so in a visually appealing manner. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch your Google Docs transform.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.
He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.
You can read his bio here.