How to Split a Table in Google Docs

how to split a table in google docs
by David Harris // January 13  

If you use tables in Google Docs, you may need to divide them into two sections. Knowing how to split a table is essential for organizing information more clearly, focusing on different sections, or preparing reports. How can you do this in Google Docs?

Splitting a table is straightforward. To begin the split, choose the desired row and then follow a few straightforward steps to divide the table into separate sections. Let’s dive into the details to make this process straightforward.

Step-by-Step Guide to Splitting a Table

1. Setting Up Your Table

First, you must have a table in your Google Docs document. If you haven’t created one yet, here’s how:

  • Access Google Docs and either start a new document or open a previously created one.
  • Click on Insert in the menu.
  • Hover over Table and select the size of the table you want by dragging your mouse.

Now that your table is set up, you can plan where to split it.

2. Selecting the Row to Split

Determine which row you would like to use as the splitting point.

  • Click on the first cell of the row you want to split.
  • Drag your mouse across to highlight the entire row, or click in the left-hand margin next to the row.

This action indicates which table part you want to separate from the rest.

3. Splitting the Table

With the desired row selected, here are the steps to split the table:

  • Right-click on the highlighted row. This action will open a context menu.
  • Choose the Insert row above option if it’s not already at the top.
  • Next, right-click again anywhere in your selected row and select Cut, or press Ctrl + X (for Windows) or Cmd + X (for Mac).

This action will eliminate the chosen row from the initial table, resulting in two separate tables within the same document.

4. Pasting the Row to Create a New Table

Now that the row you want to split has been cut from the original table, it’s time to create a new table:

  • Click below the first table where you want to place the new table.
  • Right-click, choose Paste, or press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Cmd + V (Mac).

Your new table is now ready! This table will contain the row that was cut from the original.

5. Adjusting Your Tables

After creating two separate tables, you may need to adjust the layout to fit your document better. Here’s how to do that:

  • Click on the border of each table to drag and resize them as necessary.
  • You can add headings or extra rows to the new table if needed.

Two distinct tables allow you to present information more clearly and make your document more reader-friendly.

Additional Tips for Table Management

Formatting and Styling Tables

Once you’ve successfully split your table, consider the following tips to improve its appearance and functionality:

  • Shading and Borders: Use the table properties to add different border styles or shaded backgrounds to differentiate between the two tables.
  • Header Rows: Make sure each table has its header row (if applicable). This step ensures clarity in what each section represents.
  • Merging Cells: To combine cells for better organization in either of the tables, select the cells you wish to merge, right-click, and choose Merge cells.

Managing Table Cell Size

Each table cell can be resized individually. To do this:

  1. Hover over the border of a cell until you see a double-headed arrow.
  2. Adjust the cell size by selecting and dragging the border to fit your content.

Properly sized cells can enhance readability and visual appeal.

Collaborating on Tables

Working on tables in Google Docs allows others to view and edit in real-time. When collaborating, remember:

  • Commenting: You can comment on specific table cells or rows by selecting them, right-clicking, and choosing Comment. This feature facilitates discussions on data.
  • Version History: If mistakes are made and a table needs to be reverted or adjusted, use the version history (File → Version history → See version history).

Frequently Made Mistakes

When splitting a table, some common pitfalls might happen. Here are a few guidelines to avoid them:

Selecting the Wrong Row

Be careful when highlighting the row you want to cut. The split will only work as planned if you think it will be better than rows.

Forgetting to Adjust Formatting

After splitting, remember to format the new table. Ensure its appearance is consistent with the previous table or the overall document. 

Frequently Asked Questions Related to How To Split A Table In Google Docs

Q. How do I undo a split table action in Google Docs?
A. After splitting the table, You can immediately undo any action by pressing Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac).

Q. Can I merge two separate tables back into one?
A. Yes! Cut the rows from one table and paste them into the other to merge them.

Q. What should I do if my rows don’t split properly?
A. Ensure you are selecting an entire row correctly before attempting to split. Try again to highlight the row accurately, then repeat the steps.

Q. Can I split tables by columns as well?
A. Google Docs does not support splitting by columns directly, but you can manually rearrange columns using Cut and Paste.

Q. Does splitting a table affect the table’s formatting?
A. After splitting a table, you may need to reapply formatting options to the new table to maintain a consistent appearance.

Q. How can I add additional rows to the new table after splitting?
A. You can insert new rows by right-clicking in the new table and selecting Insert row above or Insert row below.

Q. Will splitting a table affect links or references in my document?
A. No, splitting tables does not affect hyperlinks or document references, as they are linked to the text or data rather than the table format.

Q. Is there a limit to the number of tables I can create in Google Docs?
A. There is no explicit limit on the number of tables, but performance may vary based on the document’s overall size and complexity.

Q. Can I split a table in Google Sheets and import it to Google Docs?
A. Yes! You can split tables in Google Sheets and copy and paste them into Google Docs. Just make sure to check the formatting.

Q. What if I want to adjust the spacing between the two tables after splitting?
|A. Click between the two tables to adjust the spacing. Use the return key or adjust paragraph settings to create more space.

Conclusion

Mastering how to split a table in Google Docs is a valuable skill that greatly enhances your document creation process. The steps are simple and allow for flexibility in organizing information. Use these techniques to make your documents clearer and more visually appealing. Experiment with formatting options and collaboration features, and soon, you’ll find yourself confidently managing tables like an expert!

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.