Microsoft Office

How To Remove Table In Microsoft Word

When working with tables in Microsoft Word, there may come a time when you need to remove a table. Whether it's because you no longer need the table or you want to reformat your document, knowing how to remove a table efficiently can save you time and effort. So, let's explore the simple steps to remove a table in Microsoft Word.

To remove a table in Microsoft Word, you can follow these steps. First, place your cursor anywhere inside the table that you want to delete. Then, go to the "Layout" tab in the "Table Tools" section of the ribbon. From the "Table Tools" section, click on the "Delete" button and select "Delete Table" from the dropdown menu. Voila! Your table is now removed, and you can continue editing your document without the table.



How To Remove Table In Microsoft Word

Removing Tables in Microsoft Word: Simplifying Your Document Editing

Tables are an essential part of document formatting in Microsoft Word, allowing you to organize and present information visually. However, there may come a time when you need to remove a table from your document, whether it's because you no longer need it or because you want to reformat your content. In this article, we will explore various methods on how to remove a table in Microsoft Word, making your document editing experience more efficient and streamlined.

Method 1: Removing a Table Directly

The most straightforward way to remove a table in Microsoft Word is by selecting the table and deleting it. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

  • Select the entire table by clicking and dragging your mouse over it.
  • Prompt menu options by right-clicking anywhere on the selected table.
  • Choose the "Delete" option from the menu.
  • The table will be removed from your document, and the surrounding content will adjust accordingly.

Keep in Mind:

When using this method, ensure that you want to permanently delete the table and its contents. If you need to retain the table data or formats for future reference or use, consider copying the table before deleting it.

This method is suitable for situations where you want to remove the entire table from your document. However, what if you want to keep the content but eliminate the table structure? Let's explore an alternative method.

Method 2: Converting a Table to Text

If you want to remove the table itself but retain the content within it, you can convert the table to text. This process breaks down the table structure and transforms it into regular text while preserving the information. Follow these steps:

  • Select the entire table by clicking and dragging your mouse over it.
  • Go to the "Layout" tab in the ribbon menu.
  • In the "Data" group, click on the "Convert to Text" button.
  • The "Convert to Text" dialog box will appear.
  • Choose the desired separator for the text conversion, such as paragraphs or tabs.
  • Click "OK" to convert the table to plain text.

Keep in Mind:

Converting a table to text is beneficial when you want to remove the rigid table structure but retain the content in a more flexible format. This method gives you the freedom to further edit or format the content without any table limitations.

Now that we've covered how to remove a table directly and convert it to text let's delve into another useful method that combines deleting the table and preserving the content within it.

Method 3: Copying Table Content and Pasting as Text

If you want to keep the content within the table but eliminate the table structure, you can copy the table content and paste it as plain text. This method allows you to maintain the formatting of the content without the confinement of a table. Follow these steps:

  • Select the entire content within the table by clicking and dragging the mouse across the text.
  • Press Ctrl + C to copy the selected content.
  • Place your cursor outside the table where you want to paste the content.
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + V to open the "Paste Special" dialog box.
  • In the dialog box, choose the "Unformatted Text" option.
  • Click "OK" to paste the table content as plain text.

Keep in Mind:

Pasting the table content as plain text ensures that the content adapts to the formatting of your document while removing the table structure. This method provides a versatile approach to incorporate table data seamlessly into your document without the limitations of a table structure.

Exploring Additional Techniques for Table Removal

Aside from the methods mentioned above, Microsoft Word offers additional techniques to help you remove tables effectively. Let's explore a few more options:

Using the Clear All Formatting Tool

If your table contains complicated formatting that you want to remove in addition to the table structure, you can use the "Clear All Formatting" tool. This method removes all the formatting applied to the table content and transforms it into plain text without any formatting elements. Follow these steps:

  • Select the entire table by clicking and dragging your mouse over it.
  • In the ribbon menu, go to the "Home" tab.
  • In the "Font" group, click on the "Clear All Formatting" button.
  • The table will transform into plain text without any formatting.

Keep in Mind:

The "Clear All Formatting" tool removes both the table structure and any formatting applied to the content. This method is particularly useful when you want to start from scratch and remove all formatting elements associated with the table.

Now that we've covered various methods for removing tables, let's conclude with a final tip on dealing with complex tables that you may encounter.

Dissecting Complex Tables Using Selection Techniques

In some cases, you may encounter complex tables with merged cells, nested tables, or other intricate formatting. Removing such tables can be challenging using traditional methods. To resolve this, you can use advanced selection techniques to break down the table into smaller, manageable parts. Here are a few options:

  • Hold down the Alt key while selecting specific cells or rows within the table to dismantle the structure gradually.
  • Use the "Select" button in the ribbon menu to choose specific parts of the table for removal.
  • Utilize the table editing features in the "Layout" tab to split or delete cells, rows, or columns as needed.

Keep in Mind:

For complex tables, it may be necessary to modify the structure or remove specific elements within the table rather than deleting the whole table at once. These selection techniques provide a precise way to tackle intricate table structures and tailor them to your document's requirements.

Removing tables in Microsoft Word is an essential skill for effective document editing. Whether you need to remove an entire table or retain the content within it, the methods discussed above offer flexibility and efficiency to streamline your document formatting process. Experiment with these techniques and discover the most suitable approach for your specific needs.


How To Remove Table In Microsoft Word

Steps to Remove a Table in Microsoft Word

If you want to remove a table from your Microsoft Word document, follow these simple steps:

  • Select the entire table by clicking and dragging your cursor over it.
  • Right-click on the selected table and choose "Cut" from the context menu.
  • Paste the table into a new or existing document if you want to keep it.
  • If you don't want to keep the table, simply press the "Delete" key on your keyboard.

Alternatively, if you want to remove the table structure but keep the content, you can convert the table to text:

  • Click inside the table, so that the table handles appear.
  • Go to the "Layout" tab in the Ribbon.
  • Click on the "Convert to Text" button in the "Data" group.
  • Select the desired separator option to split the table content into paragraphs or individual cells.

Key Takeaways - How to Remove Table in Microsoft Word

  • To remove a table in Microsoft Word, click on the table and press the Delete key.
  • An alternative way to remove a table is to right-click on the table and select Delete.
  • If you want to remove the table completely, including the content within it, select the table and press the Delete key.
  • If you only want to remove the table structure but keep the content, right-click on the table, select Delete, and choose "Delete Table Only".
  • Removing a table can be done easily and quickly in Microsoft Word, helping you customize your document as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about how to remove a table in Microsoft Word:

1. How do I remove a table in Microsoft Word?

To remove a table in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

1. Click inside the table to select it. You should see the Table Tools tab appear at the top of the screen.

2. Go to the Layout tab in the Table Tools.

3. Click on the "Delete" button in the Rows & Columns section.

2. Can I remove just one row or column from a table?

Yes, you can remove just one row or column from a table in Microsoft Word. Here's how:

1. Click inside the table to select it.

2. Go to the Layout tab in the Table Tools.

3. Select the row or column you want to remove by clicking on the selection handle at the left side of the row or top of the column.

4. Click on the "Delete" button in the Rows & Columns section.

3. Will removing a table delete its contents?

Removing a table in Microsoft Word will delete the table structure, but it will not delete the contents within the cells. The text, images, or other elements inside the table will remain intact and can be edited or moved outside the table.

To delete both the table and its contents, you can select the table and press the "Delete" key on your keyboard.

4. Can I undo the removal of a table?

Yes, you can undo the removal of a table in Microsoft Word. Follow these steps:

1. Press "Ctrl" + "Z" on your keyboard immediately after removing the table.

2. Alternatively, click on the "Undo" button in the Quick Access Toolbar at the top of the screen.

5. Is there a way to remove a table without deleting its contents?

Yes, you can remove a table without deleting its contents by converting the table to text. Here's how:

1. Click inside the table to select it.

2. Go to the Layout tab in the Table Tools.

3. Click on the "Convert to Text" button in the Data section.

The table will be converted to text, but all the contents within the table cells will be preserved.



In summary, removing a table in Microsoft Word is a simple process that can help declutter your document and make it more readable. By following a few easy steps, you can successfully delete a table and its contents.

To remove a table, first, place your cursor inside the table. Then, go to the "Layout" tab on the ribbon, click on "Delete Table," and select "Delete Table" from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can right-click inside the table, choose "Delete," and then select "Table" to remove it.


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