Why use tables?

Tables are used to allow the user to layout your page in a meaningful way. You don't have to use any layout tables, however Html severely restricts any layout option, so tables or frames are universally used.

What are tables?

A table is a framework into which content is put. Tables are divided into columns and rows which themselves define cells.

Inserting tables onto your page

• The most common way is to start your page in LAYOUT view and to layout the table(s)and series of cells which will make up your page.
  
• The other way is to use STANDARD view and to make the table using the INSERT meu -Tables.

Tables in Layout View

Select Layout View from the Object Menu.

• If you go to Draw Layout Cell the cursor changes to a small cross. Go to document Window close to border and drag out a cell. The program automatically inserts a layout table behind your cell (which becomes part of the table)

• You can layout cells wherever you want (but not on top of each other in layout view). Remember you can only put content into cell, not outside them. Cells can be separated from each other and placed wherever you want on the page.

• You can layer tables on top of each other
  T here must be an underlying table where no cells are defined.
  
• You can layer on top of cells containing content - but only by using the Insert/Table menu in Standard View

• In Layout View You will see the margins of cells in coloured lines. If you click on them they develop 'handles' which can be used to increase/decrease cell/table size.

• Cellmargins are blue and table margins are green.

• Formatting You can change the dimensions and background colour of the cells/table in the Property Inspector. You must go to Standard View for more formatting.

You can also create tables with their cells in Standard View. See Tables 2