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Office for Mac Issues

How to Find Tables in the Word Navigation Pane on Mac

WPS Content ManagerWPS Content Manager Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to navigate between multiple tables in a Word document on a Mac but cannot locate the Tables option in the Navigation Pane.

How to Find Tables in Word for Mac
Product
Microsoft Word for Mac
Device & OS
Mac
Scenario
Navigating and reviewing multiple tables within a single, lengthy Word document on macOS.
Observed behavior
The Tables option is missing from the Navigation Pane on the Mac version of Word, unlike the Windows version where it is readily available.
Before you start

Ensure your Word document is open and contains at least one table. Adding descriptive captions to your tables beforehand can make them much easier to identify while navigating.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Go To Command to Navigate Tables

Since the Navigation Pane lacks a direct 'Tables' filter on Mac, use the built-in Go To feature to jump between tables quickly.

The macOS version of Microsoft Word handles document navigation slightly differently than Windows. By utilizing the Go To dialog box, you can effectively replicate the missing Navigation Pane functionality for tables.

1
Open the Go To Dialog

In Word for Mac, go to the top menu bar and select 'Edit' > 'Find' > 'Go To'. Alternatively, you can press 'Option+Command+G' on your keyboard.

2
Select the Table Option

In the 'Go to what' list located on the left side of the dialog box, scroll down and select 'Table'.

3
Navigate Between Tables

Click the 'Next' or 'Previous' buttons to jump forward or backward to different tables in your document. You can keep this dialog box open while you review or edit the tables.

Use the Go To Command to Navigate Tables
Tip for Easy Identification: Table captions make tables significantly easier to identify when you jump to them. You can add one by selecting your table and clicking 'Insert' > 'Caption'.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Experience

If you find Word for Mac's interface confusing or missing features compared to its Windows counterpart, WPS Office provides a lightweight, free, and highly compatible alternative. It offers an intuitive interface for managing documents, tables, and layouts seamlessly on your Mac.

  1. 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the Mac version.
  2. 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file without worrying about format loss.
  3. 3. Navigate Tables Easily: Use the built-in navigation features to quickly locate and edit your tables.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see Tables in the Word for Mac Navigation Pane?

Unlike the Windows version of Microsoft Word, the Mac version does not include a dedicated Tables tab in the Navigation Pane. You must rely on the Go To dialog function to jump between tables.

What is the keyboard shortcut to find tables in Word for Mac?

You can quickly open the Go To dialog by pressing 'Option+Command+G' on your Mac keyboard, then simply select 'Table' from the list of document elements.

How do I easily identify specific tables when navigating a large document?

It is highly recommended to add captions to your tables by selecting the table and choosing 'Insert' > 'Caption'. This provides a clear, readable label for each table, making them easier to verify as you jump between them.