Creating a simple table

Last Updated : Apr 08, 2024 |

About this task

Use simpletable rather than table for tables that do not require more complex features like spanning of cells or centering content.

Procedure

  1. In Oxygen XML Author, check out the topic.
  2. Press Enter and select table (wizard) from the element list.
  3. In the Insert Table dialog box:
    1. Click Simple.

      The CALS option creates a complex table where you can span cells or align cells.

    2. Ensure that you select Generate table header.

      Header rows are required in tables for Section 508 compliance for people with disabilities.

    3. Specify the number of Rows and Columns to be included in the table.
    4. Click OK.

    You can add or remove the rows and columns later if you need to.

  4. To add additional rows to the table:
    1. Place the cursor where you want to insert the row, right-click and select Insert Rows.
    2. In the Insert Rows dialog box, select the number of rows you want to add.
    3. Click Above or Below and click OK.
    4. Optional Alternatively, you can press enter and select row from the context menu.
  5. To add a new column to the table:
    1. Place the cursor in a cell where you want to add another column, right-click and select Insert Columns.
    2. In the Insert Columns dialog box, select the number of columns you want to add.
    3. Click Before or After and click OK.
  6. To modify the width of each column:
    1. Double-click or select the table.
    2. In the Attributes dialog box, set the relcolwidth attribute by specifying the percentage for each column followed by an asterisk (*) and a space.

      For example, in a two-column table, to specify the column widths of 30% and 70% for the first and second columns respectively, enter 30* 70* in the relcolwidth field.

      Important:

      Do not use fixed width for tables that use the full page. Using fixed width can cause the table to run off the page. Ensure that you use relative widths using percentage.

    3. Click OK.

    You can also modify a column's width of simple table or complex table by positioning the cursor over the column separator until the cursor changes, and then dragging the cursor to adjust the width of the column. You cannot use this method to modify the column widths of part tables.

  7. If you have any empty table rows, do the following so that the rows will be the same height as rows with content:
    1. In the editor, go to Tools > Preferences..
    2. On the Preferences dialog box, click Save.
    3. Under Write Non-ASCII Characters As, select Numeric Character References.
    4. Click OK.
    5. Put your cursor in a cell in the empty row and select Insert > Symbol.
    6. Select the Character Entities tab and select nbsp.
    7. Click OK.