How to merge two tables in "Word" horizontally or vertically

Office application Microsoft Word offers the user a wide range of functions. Among them are actions with tables. Despite the fact that the program interface is quite simple, there are often problems with moving tables and their cells.

Many Microsoft Word users are familiar with the situation when dragging a table by one line broke the entire structure of the text. Even more questions arise when you need to make one from several tables. Below is a detailed instruction on how to merge two tables in Word in several steps.

Vertical join

The first instruction will be about how to merge two tables in "Word" row by row. Simply put, bind the table from below. Before proceeding, make sure that both tables have the same number of columns. If this is not the case, then the merging will still happen, but then it will take a long and tedious time to bring the table into a divine form.

1. Select the entire table below (not just its contents) using the icon in the left corner.
2. Cut the table with Ctrl+X or right-click and "Cut" command.
3. Place the mouse cursor on the line below the first column of the top table.
4. Insert the second table with Ctrl+V or the Paste command.
5. Tables will be merged and columns and rows aligned.

Using indentation

There is another way to merge two tables in Word. The second instruction is about horizontal joining using indentation.

1. Find the Show All Characters button on the Paragraph panel or use Ctrl+.
2. All spaces and indents in the document will be marked with tabs.
3. Now we need to remove the indents between the tables. To do this, press the BackSpace or Delete key until there are no blank lines between the tables.
4. Tables will merge vertically.

The indented method is only suitable for vertical table joins.

Horizontal union

If you need to add a table not from below, but from the side, then the actions will be slightly different. Although the principle of merging will not change.

The third instruction explains how to merge two tables in Word by columns. Remember: if the number of rows is different, then the data in the cells may shift. Therefore, it is better to dothe same number of rows in both tables.

Select the table that you will link to the right

• Cut the linked table.
• Set the mouse cursor to the right of the remaining table at the level of the first line. It is important to put the cursor close to the right border of the table, without spaces. Otherwise the tables will not be merged.
• Insert cutout.

Tables will be merged horizontally

Note: you can't add a table on the left, only on the right. Therefore, do not confuse which table you need to place on the right.

How to remove extra cells?

It may be necessary to remove the excess after you have joined two tables. In "Word 2010" the algorithm of actions will be as follows:

1. Select the area you want to delete: column, row or cell.
2. On the Table Tools tab, select Layout.
3. Click the "Delete" button and select the desired command.
4. Extra or duplicate cells removed.

Thus, you will get a new, well-designed table that fits all the necessary data.