How to combine two tables in Word horizontally or vertically

The Microsoft Word Office application offers the user a wide range of functions. Among them are actions with tables. Despite the fact that the program interface is quite simple, often problems arise precisely with moving tables and their cells.

Many Microsoft Word users are familiar with a situation where dragging a table one line breaks the entire structure of the text. Even more questions arise when you need to make one from several tables. Below is a detailed instruction on how to combine the two tables in Word into several actions.

Vertical union

The first instruction will be on how to combine the two tables in Word in a row. Simply put, bind the table below. Before you begin, make sure that both tables have the same number of columns. If this is not so, then the union will happen anyway, but then it will take a long and tedious to bring the table into a divine form.

1. Select the entire bottom table (not only its contents) using the icon in the left corner.
2. Cut the table using the keys Ctrl + X or right-click and the “Cut” command.
3. Place the mouse cursor on the line below the first column of the top table.
4. Paste the second table with Ctrl + V or the Paste command.
5. Tables are merged, and columns and rows are aligned.

Using indentation

There is another way of joining two tables in Word. The second instruction deals with horizontal joining using indentation.

1. Find the “Display all characters” button in the “Paragraph” panel or use the combination Ctrl + *.
2. All spaces and indents in the document will be marked with tabs.
3. Now we need to remove the indentation between the tables. To do this, press the BackSpace or Delete key until there are no empty rows between the tables.
4. Tables are combined vertically.

The indented method is only suitable for vertically joining tables.

Horizontal pool

If you need to add a table not from below, but from the side, then the actions will be slightly different. Although the principle of unification will not change.

The third instruction explains how to combine the two tables in Word in columns. Remember: if the number of rows is different, then the data in the cells may shift. Therefore, it is better to pre-make the same number of rows in both tables.

• Select the table to be snapped to the right.

• Cut out an anchor table.
• Position the mouse cursor to the right of the remaining table at the first row level. It is important to place the cursor right next to the right border of the table, without spaces. Otherwise, the tables will not join.
• Paste the cut out fragment.

• Tables will be combined horizontally.

Note: you cannot add a table on the left, only on the right. Therefore, do not confuse which particular table you need to place on the right.

How to remove extra cells?

It may be necessary to remove the excess after you have joined the two tables. In Word 2010, the algorithm of actions will be as follows:

1. Select the area you want to delete: column, row or cell.
2. In the "Work with Tables" tab, select "Layout."
3. Click the “Delete” button and select the desired command.
4. Excess or duplicate cells are deleted.

Thus, you will receive a new, well-composed table in which all the necessary data fit.