Converting text to a table

Tables are grids of individual cells set in vertical columns and horizontal rows. Often, the text for a table already exists in the form of “tab-delimited text,” in which the columns of information are separated by tab characters and the rows of information are separated by paragraph returns. In this case, the menu information was received in an email from the chef and then pasted into the document. You will select this text and convert it to a table.

1.	Choose Type > Show Hidden Characters. Notice that the columns of information are separated by tabs and the rows are separated by paragraph returns. Tip You will use the Type tool for all table creation, formatting, and editing tasks. Note As you work through this lesson, change the view scale to suit your monitor and vision.
2.	Using the Type tool ( ), select the text from Egg Type to Blueberry Muffin, including the last paragraph return.
3.	Choose Table > Convert Text To Table. In the Convert Text To Table dialog box, you will indicate how the selected text is currently separated.
4.	From the Column Separator menu, choose Tab. From the Row Separator menu, choose Paragraph. Click OK. The new table is automatically anchored in the text frame that contained the text. In InDesign, tables are always anchored in text.
5.	Choose File > Save.