How to Create an Asymmetrical Table by Removing a Cell in Word
Question details
The user wants to create an asymmetrical table by removing a specific cell without altering the surrounding row and column structure.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Modifying a table layout to achieve an asymmetrical design by removing individual cells.
- Observed behavior
- Standard deletion options shift the remaining cells up or left, ruining the table's structure, while pressing Delete only clears the text.
Enable non-printing characters in Word (Home > Show/Hide ¶) so you can see the end-of-cell markers and understand exactly how your table structure is changing without permanently losing data.
Use the Eraser Tool to Hide Cell Borders
The most effective way to create the illusion of a deleted cell without shifting your table structure is to manually erase its borders.
Word does not allow you to simply delete a single cell and leave a void; it will always attempt to shift surrounding cells to fill the gap. Instead, you can visually remove the cell by erasing its borders and clearing its contents, creating an asymmetrical appearance while preserving the grid.
Click anywhere inside your table to reveal the Table Design and Layout tabs on the ribbon.
Go to the Layout tab (located under Table Tools) and click on the Eraser tool icon.
Click directly on the borders of the cell you want to 'remove' to make them invisible.
Press 'Esc' to turn off the Eraser tool, then select the cell and delete any remaining text.
Remove Borders via the Table Design Menu
For users who find the Eraser tool tedious when working with multiple cells, you can manually remove borders using the ribbon menu.
Effortlessly Design Asymmetrical Tables in WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers an intuitive Eraser tool and precise border controls, making it simple to design complex, asymmetrical tables without breaking your document's layout.
- 1. Open Document: Open your document in WPS Writer and click anywhere inside your table.
- 2. Navigate to Table Tools: Click the Table Tools tab that appears on the top ribbon menu.
- 3. Use the Eraser: Click the Eraser icon, then click the specific cell borders you wish to remove.
- 4. Alternative Border Removal: Alternatively, select the cell, click the Borders dropdown, and choose 'No Border' for a seamless asymmetrical look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does deleting a cell shift my entire table in Word?
Word treats tables as a continuous, interconnected grid. When you completely delete a cell using the delete menu, it forces the remaining cells in that row or column to shift left or up to fill the void, which disrupts your original alignment.
Can I just press the Delete key on my keyboard to remove a cell?
No. Pressing the 'Delete' key or 'Backspace' while a cell is selected only removes the text or content inside the cell. It does not delete the actual cell borders or structure.
Will the hidden cell show up when I print the document?
As long as you have removed the borders and cleared the text, the cell will appear completely empty and asymmetrical on your printed page, even if you still see light blue gridlines on your editing screen.
How do I get the erased table borders back if I make a mistake?
Simply select the area where the borders are missing, navigate to the Table Design tab, click the Borders dropdown arrow, and select 'All Borders' to restore the standard grid.
