Adjust rows, columns, and cells in tables

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to resize tables, adjust spacing, and merge or split cells using panels, dialog boxes, and direct manipulation in Adobe InDesign.

Resize columns, rows, and tables using panels, dialog boxes, or direct manipulation to control spacing and alignment. You can also merge cells in the same row or column into a single cell or split cells horizontally or vertically to adjust the table structure.

Resize columns and rows

Select cells in the columns or rows to resize using the Type tool.

Select Table > Cell Options > Rows and Columns.

Select the required Row Height and Column Width in the Cell Options dialog box. By default, row height is based on the current font’s slug height and changes with type size or row settings. Selecting At Least allows rows to expand as text or point size increases, while Exactly sets a fixed height that can cause overset text. The Maximum value determines the maximum row height.

Select OK.

Resize without changing table width

Hold Shift while dragging an internal row or column edge so that one row or column increases while the adjacent one decreases.

Hold Shift while dragging a table boundary so that all rows or columns resize proportionally.

Resize the entire table

Select the Type tool, then position the pointer near the lower-right corner of the table until it becomes an arrow.

Drag to increase or decrease the table size.

Hold Shift to maintain the table’s height-to-width proportions.

Note

If the table spans more than one frame in a story, you cannot use the pointer to resize the entire table.

Distribute rows and columns evenly

Select cells in the rows or columns to adjust using the Type tool.

Select Table > Distribute Rows Evenly or Distribute Columns Evenly.

Change spacing before or after a table

Changing spacing before a table does not affect a row positioned at the start of a frame.

Place the insertion point on the table.

Select Table > Table Options > Table Setup.

Specify values for Space Before and Space After under the Table Options dialog box.

Merge and unmerge cells

Use the Type tool to select the cells you want to merge.

Select Table > Merge Cells.

Place an insertion point in the merged cell and select Table > Unmerge Cells.

Split cells

Use the Type tool to place the insertion point in the cell you want to split, or select a row, column, or block of cells.

Select Table > Split Cell Vertically or Split Cell Horizontally.

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