Define and apply table and cell styles

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to create and apply table and cell styles in Adobe InDesign for consistent table formatting.

Create, define, and apply table and cell styles in InDesign to manage consistent table formatting. Table styles control the overall table structure, while cell styles define formatting for individual cells. Defining and updating styles helps maintain consistency and reduce manual formatting across tables.

Define a cell style

Select Window > Styles > Cell Styles.

Select the panel menu icon, then choose New Cell Style.

In the Style Name field, enter a name.

Select a style to inherit attributes from or choose [None] from the Based On drop-down menu.

Enter modifier keys with a numeric keypad number in the Shortcut field.

Select a style from the Paragraph Style drop-down menu.

Select OK.

Define a table style

Select Window > Styles > Table Styles.

Select the panel menu icon, then choose New Table Style.

In the Style Name field, enter a name.

Select a style to inherit attributes from or choose [No Table Style] from the Based On drop-down menu.

Enter modifier keys with a numeric keypad number in the Shortcut field.

Select Cell Styles for Header Rows, Footer Rows, Body Rows, Left Column, and Right Column.

Select OK.

Apply styles to tables and cells

Select the cells to format using the Type tool, or place the insertion point anywhere in the table to apply a table style.

Select Window > Styles > Cell Styles or Table Styles.

To apply a style, select the style. To edit an existing style, double-click the style.

Modify attributes in the Table Style Options or Cell Style Options dialog box.

Select OK.