Select tables, rows, and columns

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to use the Type tool and pointer techniques to select table elements for editing and formatting in Adobe InDesign.

Selections in tables work like regular text selections. Selecting text within one cell highlights only the text, while selections across multiple cells select both the cells and their contents.

In tables that span multiple frames, header and footer rows outside the table’s start or end show a lock indicator and can’t be selected directly. To edit them, place the insertion point at the beginning of the table.

Select cells

Select a single cell

Select the Type tool.

Place the insertion point inside a cell or select text.

Select Table > Select > Cell.

Select multiple cells

Select the Type tool.

Drag across cell boundaries to include adjacent cells. Avoid dragging row or column borders to prevent the table from resizing.

Tip

Press Esc to switch between selecting cell contents and the entire cell.

Select rows or columns

Select a column or row using the menu

Select the Type tool.

Place the insertion point inside a cell or select text.

Select Table > Select > Column or Row.

Select a column or row using the pointer

Select the Type tool.

Position the pointer over a column or row edge until it changes to a right-pointing arrow or bottom-pointing arrow .

Select the column or row.

Select header, body, or footer rows

Place the insertion point inside a table or select text using the Type tool.

Select Table > Select > Header Rows or Body Rows or Footer Rows.

Select the entire table

Select the entire table using the menu

Select the Type tool.

Place the insertion point inside a table or select text.

Select Table > Select > Table.

Select the entire table using the pointer

Select the Type tool.

Position the pointer at the upper-left corner of the table until it changes to a slanted arrow .

Select the table.

Select the entire table using drag

Select the Type tool.

Drag across the full table.

Note

To select a table as an anchored object, place the insertion point immediately before or after the table, then press Shift + Right Arrow or Left Arrow to extend the selection.

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