When you hear mention of the table in a Google document, you probably think of Google spreadsheets. But there are many instances when a Google Docs document requires a table. Creating a table is simple enough, but how do you delete a table in Google Docs?
Understandably, managing tables in Google Docs can be a bit confusing. Many users are unsure how to delete a row or column, or even an entire table.
The great news is that managing and formatting a table in a Google Docs document requires understanding just a few key points.
In this article, you’ll find out everything there is to know about how to delete a table in Google Docs via a step-by-step guide. We’ll also provide additional information about how to customize your table. And we’ll answer some of the common questions Google Docs users have about tables.
There are many instances when a Google Docs document requires a table. While creating a table is simple enough, deleting one might get a bit confusing.
Many people find that managing tables in a Google Doc can be a bit confusing. Users are unsure of how to delete the entire table, or a specific row or column.
The great news is that you can delete a Google Docs table or format table contents in just a few simple steps.
In this article, you’ll find out how to delete a table in Google Docs via a step-by-step guide, along with additional information on how to customize your table.
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Table of Contents
What is a table in Google Docs?
The purpose of any table, regardless of which program you use, is to group or gather data together and make it easier to manage. In Google Docs, specifically, a table is usually added in between text and organized information that complements the text.
A table contains rows and columns that you can organize any way it suits you. Tables in Google Docs have boundaries that are also known as gridlines.
The purpose of any table, whether you’re using Microsoft Word or Google Docs, is to group data together and make it easier to read and understand. A table is usually added between text paragraphs to showcase information that complements the text.
A table contains rows and columns that you can organize as you please. You can add a new table to your Google Docs file by selecting Insert>Table and then choosing the number of rows and columns you need.
You can add tables in Google Docs and Google Slide for quick presentations, while Google Sheets is ideal for large-scale data maintenance.
Why Use a Table in Google Docs?
The most common use of a table in Google Docs is for better presentation of certain types of data. For example, you’re working on a thesis that mostly consists of text, but you still need to enter important statistics or something similar.
Or you’re trying to create an overview of something that has changed over the years. And without a table, that information wouldn’t be as easy to read. A carefully created table in Google Docs will allow a reader to assimilate information without any ambiguity.
Google Docs lets you create a small table when necessary or an elaborate table that can take up a lot of space. However, keep in mind that for larger amounts of data, it’s better to use Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel.
The most common use of a table in Google Docs is to clearly present data sets that complement the text.
For example, you’re working on a thesis and want to add important statistics to back up your point or you’re trying to highlight company growth via increasing sales numbers throughout the year.
Without a table, that information wouldn’t be as easy to grasp. A carefully created table in Google Docs will allow a reader to assimilate information without any ambiguity.
You can make your Google Docs table as elaborate and detailed as needed. However, apps like Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel might be better for a larger dataset.
How to delete a table in Google Docs: A step-by-step walkthrough
Creating a table in Google Docs is quick. Formatting it takes a bit more time, but deleting the entire table is as straightforward as it gets.
We’re going to show you how you can delete the table completely. And what you need to do if you have just to delete rows and columns from the table.
Creating and formatting a table in Google Docs can take a bit of time, depending entirely on the user’s needs, but deleting it is pretty straightforward.
You can follow these steps to quickly delete an entire table in a Google Docs file:
Step 1
Open a Google Docs document that contains a table. Alternatively, you can first create a table by following this path from the Main Menu Insert>Table. You’ll have the option to choose how many rows and columns you want your new table to have.
Sign in to your Google account and navigate to the Google Docs document that contains the table you want to remove.
Step 2
Once you see the table in the Google Docs document, here’s how you delete it. Right-click on any table cell. A menu will pop up. From there, all you need to do is select the ‘Delete table’ option. Once you do, the table will automatically disappear from the document.
To delete a table, right-click on any of the table cells. From the dropdown menu, select the ‘Delete table’ option. Once you do that, the table will disappear from the document.
Step 3
If you don’t want to delete the entire table, but just delete a row or a column or more, the process is similar. What you need to do is right-click on any table cell on the row or column you want to delete. From the menu, select ‘Delete row’ or ‘Delete column.’ You’ll notice that it will be removed instantaneously.
If you don’t want to delete the entire table, but specific table rows or columns, the process is similar. Just right-click on any cell on the row or column you want to delete. From the menu, select ‘Delete row’ or ‘Delete column’, and it’ll be removed.
You can use this option to delete an entire row or column, blank rows, duplicate table contents, etc., instantly.
You can also customize table elements in your Google document, such as column width and row height, by selecting ‘Table properties’ from the right-click dropdown menu.
Step 4
If you’re using the Google Docs app on Android or iOS devices, you can also add, edit, and delete tables in your document. All you need to do is open a Google Docs document and tap with your finger anywhere on the table in question.
Then, tap on three vertical dots that represent the menu and select the ‘Delete table’ option. It will disappear right away.
If you’re using the Google Docs app on Android or iOS devices, you can delete tables in your document by long-pressing on any cell and selecting the ‘Delete table’ option.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article was successful in showing you how to delete a table in Google Docs. And how to do a little bit more besides. Tables, in general, can be a great tool when you know how to use them.
Some people even overuse them, and that’s often how data becomes overwhelming instead of clear. The trick is knowing when to apply a table in Google Docs document properly. And to know when it’s not necessary and delete it.
But also remember that you can play around with your tables too, add rows and columns, and change colors to customize them to your preference.
Hopefully, this article helped you understand how to delete a table in Google Docs and how to access further formatting options.
Tables, in general, can be a great tool when you know how to use them. The trick is knowing when to add a table to your Google Doc and when to delete it.
But also remember that you can play around with your tables. You can insert rows and columns, change colors, customize text, etc. to match your preferences.
