Word tables often adjust row height automatically to accommodate the content within cells, a behavior similar to AutoFit for rows. While there isn't a single "AutoFit Row Height" button like the ones for columns or the window, you can manage how row height is set, either letting Word adjust it based on content or setting it manually.
Understanding Row Height Adjustment
By default, Word tables are set to automatically adjust row height as you type or add content. This means rows will expand vertically to prevent text overflow, effectively "AutoFitting" to the content.
Manually Setting Row Height
If you need to set a specific height for one or more rows, you can do so manually. This overrides Word's automatic adjustment for those specific rows.
Here's how to adjust row height manually:
- Select the row(s):
- To adjust a single row, click inside any cell in that row.
- To adjust multiple rows, Highlight multiple cells to adjust more than 1 row. You can drag the mouse over the rows you want to select or click to the left of the rows when the pointer changes to a black arrow.
- Go to the Layout tab under Table Tools.
- In the Cell Size group, find the Height field.
- To adjust the row height, click the up and down arrows within the "Height" field to increase or decrease the height in small increments. Alternatively, you can type a specific value into the field.
Note: The provided reference specifically describes manually adjusting row height by using the up and down arrows in the Height field after highlighting the desired rows.
AutoFit Behavior vs. Fixed Height
Word's default behavior allows rows to expand to fit their content. However, when you manually set a specific height using the method above, Word sets the row height to an "Exactly" value by default. This means the row will maintain that fixed height regardless of the content size, potentially cutting off text if it's too tall.
To ensure rows continue to expand automatically while still having a minimum height, you can set the Row height rule to "At least" instead of "Exactly". You can find this option by right-clicking the selected rows, choosing "Table Properties," going to the "Row" tab, and selecting "At least" from the "Row height is" dropdown.
In summary, Word automatically fits row height to content unless a specific height is set manually. The reference describes the manual adjustment method using the height controls.
