Document Editing Problems

How to Draw and Erase Parts of a Table in Word for iPad

Khadija Khan Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to draw new table sections or erase existing parts of a table using Microsoft Word on an iPad.

How to Draw and Erase Parts of a Table in Word for iPad

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: iPad
Scenario: Modifying a document's table structure while working on a mobile touch device.
Observed behavior: The specific 'Draw Table' and 'Eraser' tools available in the desktop version of Word are missing or limited on the iPad app, requiring the user to find alternative ways to delete table structures.

Before you start

Make sure your Microsoft Word app is updated to the latest version on your iPad to ensure all current Table tab features are accessible.

Solution 1Recommended

Using the Table Tab to Delete Cells, Rows, and Columns

Since the freehand Eraser tool is not available in Word for iPad, you must use the Delete menu within the Table tab to modify your table structure.

Microsoft optimized the Word app for iPad by streamlining the interface for touch controls. Instead of manually erasing drawn borders, you modify the table by directly deleting the contents of cells or removing structural elements like rows and columns.

Select table contents

To remove just the text inside a table, tap and drag to highlight the specific table cells you want to clear.

Clear the cell data

Press the 'Delete' key on your on-screen or physical keyboard to erase the selected cell contents without removing the table structure.

Access the Table tab

To remove actual table borders, rows, or columns, tap anywhere inside the table. This action will reveal the 'Table' tab on the ribbon at the top of the screen.

Delete structural elements

Tap the 'Table' tab, select 'Delete', and choose 'Delete Rows', 'Delete Columns', or 'Delete Table' depending on which part of the table you wish to erase.

Using the Table Tab to Delete Cells, Rows, and Columns

Merging as an Alternative to Erasing: If your goal is to remove a border between two cells (similar to using an eraser), you can select the adjacent cells, go to the Table tab, and tap 'Merge Cells' instead.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Draw Table tool available in the iOS version of Word?

No, the freehand 'Draw Table' and 'Eraser' tools found in the desktop version of Word are currently not available in the iOS and iPadOS apps. You must insert tables via the Insert menu and modify them using the Table tab.

How do I hide table borders in Word for iPad?

If you want to make parts of a table invisible without deleting them, tap inside the table to open the Table tab, tap 'Borders', and select the 'No Border' option.

Can I merge table cells in Word for iPad instead of erasing borders?

Yes. Since there is no Eraser tool to remove a dividing line, you can achieve the same result by selecting the adjacent cells you wish to combine, navigating to the Table tab, and tapping 'Merge Cells'.

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