Document Editing Problems

How to Insert Rows in a Word Table Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Partner Editor Oct 10, 2026 872 views

Question details

The user wants a keyboard shortcut to insert a row above or below the current row in a Word table instead of relying on the right-click menu.

How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Insert Rows in a Word Table

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting and expanding tables while editing a text document.
Observed behavior: The user wishes to bypass the right-click context menu and achieve a faster, keyboard-driven method for inserting table rows.

Before you start

Ensure your cursor is placed inside the specific table row where you want the new row to appear.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Default Shortcut to Insert a Row Below

Microsoft Word provides a built-in keyboard sequence specifically for inserting a row below your current selection.

While Word does not have a default single-key shortcut for this action, it offers a sequence of keys that accomplishes the task without using the mouse.

Position your cursor

Click inside the cell of the row where you want the new row to be inserted below.

Press the shortcut combination

Press Alt + Ctrl + Shift + T on your keyboard.

Complete the sequence

Press the 'I' key immediately after the previous combination to insert the row.

Use the Default Shortcut to Insert a Row Below

No Default Shortcut for Inserting Above: There is no built-in default shortcut for inserting a row above the current row. If you need this functionality, you will have to create a custom shortcut.

Solution 2

Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts for Inserting Rows

You can assign your own key combinations to insert rows both above and below the current selection via Word's options menu.

Quickly Edit Tables and Insert Rows in WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides an incredibly intuitive table editing experience. You can seamlessly add rows with a single click using quick tools or customize keyboard shortcuts easily, making document formatting faster.

1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your existing text document containing the table.
2. Use the quick add button: Hover your mouse near the left edge of the table row. A small '+' icon will appear—click it to instantly insert a row.
3. Customize your shortcuts: Go to Menu > Options > Customize Ribbon > Keyboard Shortcuts to assign custom key combinations for table formatting.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats and shortcutsFeatures a quick 'Click to Add' icon next to table rowsLightweight, fast, and completely free to useFamiliar user interface requiring zero learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I insert multiple rows at once using a shortcut?

Yes. Before using your custom shortcut or right-click menu, highlight the number of rows you want to insert. For example, if you highlight three rows and trigger the insert command, Word will insert three new rows.

Is there a shortcut to insert columns in a Word table?

Similar to rows, there are no simple default single-key shortcuts for inserting columns. However, you can create custom shortcuts for 'TableInsertColumnLeft' or 'TableInsertColumnRight' in the Customize Keyboard menu.

How do I create custom table shortcuts on a Mac?

On Microsoft Word for Mac, go to Tools > Customize Keyboard. Select the 'Table' tab under Categories, find 'TableInsertRowAbove' or 'TableInsertRowBelow', and enter your desired keyboard combination.

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