Formatting Issues

How to Fix Word Table Alignment and Disabled Properties Options

Partner Editor Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to align two consecutive tables horizontally and resolve the issue where specific Table Properties options, such as Indent from Left and Positioning, are grayed out or unavailable.

How to Fix Word Table Alignment and Disabled Properties Options

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting consecutive tables to align correctly and attempting to adjust advanced table positioning settings.
Observed behavior: Two tables are misaligned, and the Indent from Left and Positioning options are disabled in the Table Properties menu depending on the current width and text wrapping settings.

Before you start

Before adjusting table properties, ensure you have selected the entire table by clicking the table move handle (the small cross icon) at the top-left corner of your table.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable Indent from Left to Align Tables

Use this method if the 'Indent from Left' option is grayed out when trying to horizontally align consecutive tables.

When you set a table's alignment to Left, Word allows you to indent the table. However, if a preferred width is enforced, it can lock the indentation settings.

Open Table Properties

Right-click anywhere inside the misaligned table and select 'Table Properties' from the context menu.

Adjust Alignment

Navigate to the 'Table' tab in the dialog box and ensure the Alignment option is set to 'Left'.

Clear Preferred Width

Look for the 'Preferred width' checkbox at the top of the Table tab. Uncheck this box to disable it, which will instantly enable the 'Indent from left' field below.

Set Indentation

Enter the exact indentation value in the 'Indent from left' box to match the adjacent table, then click 'OK' to apply the changes.

Alignment Tip: Applying the exact same indentation value to both tables will ensure they are perfectly aligned horizontally.

Solution 2

Enable Advanced Table Positioning

Apply this fix if the 'Positioning' button is disabled in the Table Properties menu and you need precise placement.

Efficient Table Formatting

Easily Manage Tables and Layouts with WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers an intuitive interface for managing table properties, aligning consecutive tables, and formatting your documents effortlessly. It is highly efficient and fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats.

1. Insert or Open a Table: Open your document in WPS Writer. Click anywhere inside the table to reveal the Table Tools menu.
2. Access Table Properties: Right-click the table and select 'Table Properties' from the drop-down context menu.
3. Adjust Alignment and Wrapping: Navigate to the Table tab to easily switch Text Wrapping to 'Around' or uncheck Preferred Width to adjust left indentation and align multiple tables perfectly.

Seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) table formatsIntuitive table properties and formatting optionsLightweight application with fast, reliable performanceFree to use for basic everyday document editing

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Indent from Left option grayed out in Word?

The 'Indent from Left' option becomes disabled if the table's alignment is not set to Left, or if the 'Preferred Width' setting is actively overriding the indentation. Changing the alignment to Left and clearing the 'Preferred Width' checkbox will re-enable it.

How do I make two tables align perfectly in my document?

To align two consecutive tables, ensure both have the same alignment setting (e.g., Left). If aligned left, open the Table Properties for both tables and ensure the 'Indent from left' value is exactly the same.

Why can't I click the Positioning button for my table?

The Positioning button is only available when your table's Text Wrapping is set to 'Around'. If Text Wrapping is set to 'None', the table stays inline with the text flow, making precise floating positioning unavailable.

Will changing text wrapping to 'Around' affect my overall layout?

Yes, setting Text Wrapping to 'Around' allows paragraph text to flow alongside the table. If you prefer the table to sit alone on its own lines without text on the sides, you should keep Text Wrapping set to 'None'.

Document & File Issues