Google Docs is pretty cool for typing stuff online, especially because you can work on the same document with your friends or coworkers. But when it comes to doing something like picking a whole table or just parts of it, like columns, it might feel a bit tricky compared to other programs. This guide is here to help you get the hang of selecting a table column or the entire table easily in Google Docs.
Also see: How to move an image to the front or back in Google Docs
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Getting to know tables in Google Docs
First off, let’s talk about what makes up a table in Google Docs. It’s basically rows and columns that create a grid where you can add text, pictures, or other stuff. It’s a neat way to organize info like schedules, compare things, or even make simple designs.
Tables aren’t just about putting data in boxes, though. You can change their looks, like the border style, cell size, and color, to make your table not just useful but also nice to look at. And since Google Docs lets multiple people work on the same document at once, updating tables is super easy and can be done together.
Related resource: How to print front and back on Google Docs (double-sided)
How to pick columns or tables in Google Docs
Unlike other programs where you can just click and select tables or columns, Google Docs needs a bit of a workaround. Here’s how to select a column or more in Google Docs:
- Start by moving your mouse to the top cell of the column you want. Your cursor will change to an “I” shape, showing you’re ready to select text.
- With the cursor ready, click and hold the left mouse button and drag down the column. You’ll see the column get highlighted as you go.
- To select more than one column, just move to the next column and do the same thing while holding the Shift key.
For bigger tables, you can use keyboard shortcuts like this:
- Put your cursor at the start of the first cell.
- Press and hold Shift, then press the Right Arrow key to start highlighting the cell’s content.
- Keep holding Shift and use the Down Arrow to select more cells down the way. Keep going until you’ve got what you need.
Quick tip: If dragging feels slow, you can click the first cell, hold Shift, and then click the last cell in the column to select it all at once.
Choosing the whole table in Google Docs
It might seem like there should be an easy button to grab the whole table, but Google Docs doesn’t work like that. Here’s a good way to do it:
- Start by putting your cursor at the very beginning of the first cell.
- Click and hold the left mouse button.
- Drag your mouse across the table all the way to the end of the last cell. Let go of the mouse when everything’s highlighted.
If your table is really big, try this to select it all without the hassle:
- Click the first cell to start.
- While holding Shift, click the last cell. Bam, the whole table is selected.
This trick is easy and quick, especially if you’re used to keyboard and mouse shortcuts in other software. It’s way easier than dragging across a big table.
Wrapping it up
Google Docs gets better all the time because people give feedback. So, there might be new ways to do things later on. But knowing these basic steps for now is super helpful.
Getting how to select columns or the whole table down pat is key for working with tables in Google Docs. It makes things like making reports, organizing data, or any table work really smooth and efficient.
