Guide to Creating and Using OpenOffice Writer Tables

OpenOffice Writer allows you to create mini spreadsheets within your documents. These mini spreadsheets are referred to as tables. You can perform calculations within your tables in addition to just displaying data sets and data summaries. Follow the steps below to create and make the most of OpenOffice Writer tables. If you do not already have OpenOffice Writer, visit OpenOffice.org to download the entire OpenOffice suite for free.

Creation

Open OpenOffice Writer. If you already have an existing Writer document that you wish to insert a table in, open the existing document. Use your mouse to place your cursor where you want to insert the table. For best results, place your cursor between paragraphs. Press "Enter" after the first paragraph to include a line of white space between your text and your table. This makes the table and text easier to read. Never insert a table in the middle of a paragraph or sentence.

Go to the Insert menu at the top of the screen. Select Table from the Insert menu list. You can also insert a table by pressing Ctrl plus F12. Another method is to click the table icon on the Standard toolbar. The icon looks like a small grid. Use the drop down arrow next to the icon to choose the number of rows and columns for your table.

If you use one of the first two methods, configure your table. Type a table name into the Name box. The table name will appear at the top of your table. Use a descriptive name. For instance, if your table contains information about classes and their times, use the name Class Schedule for your table. Either type or use the arrows next to the boxes to choose the number of columns and rows for your table. The default values are 2.

You have the option of adding a heading to your table. You can also repeat the heading on multiple pages if your table spans multiple pages. Another option is table splitting. If your table spans multiple pages due to text above it, you can choose whether to split the table between two pages or show the table on a single page. Choose whether you want a border for your table or not. Borders are thin black lines surrounding each block of text in your table. You can change the border thickness and color after creation. Press OK after setting all options to create your table.

Using

After creating the table, a toolbar will appear. Use the toolbar to add extra rows and columns, change the background color of the table, change border options, change alignment options and split cells. The only calculation you can perform in Writer by default is SUM. With a few edits, you can perform other basic calculations.

Enter data within each cell of your table. After data is entered, you can perform calculations. Start a formula by clicking an empty cell. Press the SUM or E button on the table toolbar. The default calculation is addition. Take note of the entire formula, which is displayed in the function bar above your document. Enter your desired formula. You must use cell references in your formula with each cell being contained in < > symbols. For instance, A5 would be referenced as . Your columns are referenced alphabetically from A to however many columns you have. Rows are referenced numerically. Press the "Fx" button near the formula text box for more assistance with formulas.

Click anywhere outside your table to begin using your document again. Click any cell in your table to display the table toolbar and edit your table. You can insert as many tables as necessary in a Writer document.

Tables are useful if you want to display spreadsheets within a Writer document. Tables can be as simple or as complex as you like. They are simple to create and provide you with a multitude of options to customize as much as you want. For a more professional look, provide lines of white space between text and your table. Tables make lists of data and even calculations easier to read and understand.