Adding a table in Adobe, particularly within text-based layouts using tools like the Type tool, follows a specific process.
Adding a Table in Adobe: The Method
When working in Adobe applications where you use the Type tool to input and format text – such as Adobe InDesign or when editing text within a PDF in Adobe Acrobat – you can insert a structured table directly into your content flow. The method described involves using a dedicated menu command after placing your cursor.
This approach is ideal for creating tabular data within articles, reports, brochures, or forms where the table needs to integrate seamlessly with surrounding text.
Step-by-Step Guide
Based on the provided reference, here are the exact steps to add a table:
- Use the Type tool: Select the Type tool from the toolbox.
- Place the insertion point: Click within an existing text frame or story where you want the top-left corner of your table to appear. This places the blinking text cursor, known as the insertion point.
- Choose Table > Insert Table: Navigate to the menu bar, select the Table menu, and then choose the Insert Table option.
- Specify dimensions: A dialog box will appear prompting you to define the table's structure. Here, you will:
- Specify the numbers of rows and columns.
- Specify the number of horizontal cells in the body row (often related to spans or merged cells).
- Specify the number of vertical cells in the Column (also potentially related to spans or merged cells within columns).
After confirming these settings, the table structure will be inserted at your insertion point, ready for you to add content.
Understanding Table Dimensions
When specifying table dimensions, the primary inputs are the number of rows (horizontal divisions) and columns (vertical divisions). The reference also mentions specifying "horizontal cells in the body row" and "vertical cells in the Column." This might refer to options for pre-configuring merged cells or complex structures, depending on the specific Adobe program and version you are using. Typically, you'll define the basic grid (rows x columns) first.
Adding a table using this method embeds it directly within the text flow, meaning it moves and reflows with the surrounding text as you edit.
